
Class _ tliOl 
Book T^b 



HISTORY 



AMERICAN WARS: 



COMPRISING THE 



WAR OP THE EEYOLUTION 



WA R OF 18 12. 

BEING A COMPLETE 

HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

FROM THE YEAR 1775 TO 1815. 

WITH A HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION. 
BY R. THOMAS, A. M. 




i^iSSJii "^^'5-.** ~^-j^^^. 



Sufferings of the Army at Valley Forge. 
ILLUSTRATED WITH EIGHTY-ONE ENGRAVINGS. 



HARTFORD: 
PUBLISHED BY HOUSE <k BROWN. 
1847. 






Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1844, 

BY EZRA STRONG, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut. 

■■/ '/ c> y >^ s5r' 

J 



^<p 



STEREOTYPliD BV 

GEORGE A. CURTIS, 

HEW ENGLAKU TYPE AND STEREOTVPE FOUNDRT, BOSTON. 



PREFACE 



The history of the two great wars, which the American 
states maintained against Great Britain, constitutes the 
most interesting portion of our national annals, and it has 
been looked upon as a serious deficiency in our libraries 
that they possess no properly executed work embracing 
that important period distinguished by these events. Sep- 
arate histories of both the wars have been written by many 
hands, but the want has been felt of a continuous history, 
commencing with the outbrealc of the revolutionary hos- 
tilities, and brought down to the termination of the war of 
1812, when the United States of America, having emerged 
with success from a second grand struggle with the greatest 
naval power of Europe, took a prominent rank among the 
nations of the earth, and convinced the people of the old 
world, by evidences not to be mistaken, that a powerful 
empire was rising in the west, under the auspices of the 
free institutions of America. 

In attempting to supply this deficiency, the author of the 
following work has, of course, been compelled to go over 
ground which has been traversed by many a preceding 
writer. Yet he has not confined himself to a bare repetition 
of the facts which the pages of those writers already pre- 
sent. He has sought for new facts, new illustrations, and 
1* 



Vi PREFACE. 

new attractions for the reader. He has endeavored to com- 
bine a proper degree of entertainment with the soUd useful- 
ness of an accurate historical work. Anecdotes and minute 
details have been introduced occasionally, not only to give 
variety and picturesqueness to the narrative, but as serving 
the main piupose of liistorical writing, by affording occa- 
sional dimpses into the genuine spirit and temper of the 
times, and placing the scenes and personages before the 
reader's eye with a dramatic vividness, which is doubly 
sure to arouse the attention and dwell long upon the 
memory. 

The author tnists that he has done adequate justice to 
the patriotism, courage, and virtues of our revolutionary 
sires, and the heroic combatants by land and sea. who so 
nobly vindicated their country's honor, and covered with 
glory the star-spangled banner during the late war with the 
" mistress of the ocean." It has been his object to set forth 
the achievements of the American arms with the foil meed 
of praise to which our brave soldiers and sailors are entitled, 
and on all occasions to excite a proper national feeling. 
At the same time he has studied to observe a strict and 
honest impartiahty in the narrative, and to do justice to the 
motives of all parties. 

The reader, it is beheved, will find this volume a more 
full, accurate and satisfactory compendirun of the history- 
of the United States, during the period embraced in it. than 
any publication, in a popular shape, that has yet appeared. 
In the style and illustrations, the author has studied clear- 
ness and perspicuity, and in the occasional remarks and 
moral reflections, he has introduced such sentiments as, it is 
hoped, will have a tendency to strengthen our esteem for 
the wise and good men of our country, and augment the 
attachment of every American to the free institiuions under 
which we hve. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

iKTEODUCTIOy. .13 

CHAPTEE II. 

AxEKicAX RETOLmox. — State of feeling among the North American colo- 
nists — Loyalty of the Americans — Effect of the peace of Paris — Political 
privileges of the colonies — Scheme for taxing the Americans — Eesoia- 
tions of the House of Commons — Imposition of duties on imports — Penal 
enactments — Remonstrances of the colonists — Scheme for a stamp act — 
Opposition in the House of Commons — Speech of Colonel Barre — Tne 
stamp act passed — Franklin's remark upon the stamp act — Consternation 
in America — General disaffection of the colonies — Resolutions in the 
legislature of Virginia — Speech of Patrick Henry — Combination among 
the colonies — Excitement on the subject of the stamp act — Disnubances 
at Boston — Affairs in Connecticut and the southern colonies — Stamped 
paper btimt at ZVew York — General opposition to the stamp act — Discon- 
tent in England — Speech of Lord Chatham in parliament — Repeal of the 
stamp act — Farther designs of the British government — The tea tax — 
Proceedings in 3Iassachusetts — Convention at Boston — British troops 
sent to Boston — Xon-importatioa league — Boston Massacre — Discovery 
of the Hutchinson leners — Great excitement at Boston — Arrival of the 
tea ships — Ferment at Boston — Destruction of the tea, . . .25 

CHAPTER III. 

Amekicax RzvoLmoy. — Indignation of the British government at the 
destruction of the tea — Boston port-bill — General Gage eovemor of 
3Iassachusetts — The Quebec bill — General congress at Philadelphia — 
Further encroachments of the British in 3Iassachusens — Gage forrines 
Boston Xeck — General court at Concord — Outrage in Boston — Oo:ur- 
rences in Rhode Island and New Hampshire — Efforts of Lord Chatham 
and Dr. Franklin in behalf of the colonies — Gage's expedition to Salem 
— Exasperation of the people of Massachusetts — Battle of Lexingtoii— 



Vm CONTENTS. 

Provincial congress in Massachusetts— Capture of Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point— Movements of the British at Boston — Battle of Bunker 
Hill, 52 

CHAPTER IV. 

Washington appointed commander-in-chief — Siege of Boston — Perfidy of 
General Gage — Howe assumes the command — Siege of Boston — Burning 
of Falmouth — Confederation of the colonies — Sufferings of the inhabitants 
of Boston — Bombardment of the town — The Americans occupy Dorches- 
ter Heights — Evacuation of Boston by the British — Expedition of Sir 
Peter Parker against South Carolina — Defeat of the British at Charleston 
— Declaration of Independence — British expedition to New York — Battle 
of Long Island — Retreat of the Americans — Capture of New York — 
Disasters of the Americans — Conquest of the Jerseys, . . .74 

CHAPTER V. 

American Revolution. — Project for the invasion of Canada by the Ameri- 
cans — Extraordinary march of Arnold through the woods of Maine — 
Expedition of Montgomery against Canada — Capture of Montreal — . 
Siege and attack of Quebec — Death of Montgomery — Perseverance of 
Arnold — Evacuation of Canada by the Americans — Desperate condition 
of the American camp — Fortitude and resolution of Washington — Cap- 
ture of the Hessians at Trenton — Affair of Princeton — Successful move- 
ments of Washington — The British expelled from the Jerseys, . 92 

CHAPTER VI. 

American Revolution. — I^abors of congress — Continental currency — Rava- 
ges committed by the British — Tryon's expedition to Connecticut — 
Adventures of Putnam — Campaign in the Jerseys — Expedition of the 
British against Philadelphia — Battle of Brandywine — Capture of Phila- 
delphia — Battle of Germantown — The army at Valley Forge — Anecdote 
of Lydia Darrah — Campaign in the north — Burgoyne's expedition — Cap- 
ture of Ticonderoga — Siege of Fort Stanwix — Defeat of Herkimer — 
Stratagem of the Americans — Murder of Miss M'Crea — Burgoyne's 
advance — Battle of Bennington — Gates commander of the northern army 
— Battle of Stillwater — Retreat of Burgoyne to Saratoga — Surrender of 
Burgoyne, , . 110 

CHAPTER VII. 

American Revolution. — Effects of the capture of Burgoyne in Europe — 
Astonishment and mortification of the British — Opposition in parliament 
— Obstinacy of the ministry — Treaty of alliance with France — War 
between France and England — Evacuation of Philadelphia by the British 
— Battle of Monmouth — Arrival of a French fleet in America — Campaign 
in Rhode Island — Ravages of the British — Anecdotes of the war — Thomas 
Paine— Intrigues of the British — Massacre at Wyoming— Surprise and 
massacre of Colonel Baylor's regiment— Savage warfare in Pennsylvania 



CONTENTS. IX 

—Campaign in Georgia— Capture of Savannah by the British— Invasion 
of South Carolina— Peril of Charleston— Georgia overrun by the British 
—They retreat from Charleston— Devastations of the British in Vir- 
ginia, ... 134 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Amekicam Revolution. — Tryon's marauding expedition to Connecticut — 
New Haven plundered — Barbarities of the British— Capture of Stony 
Point— Sullivan's expedition against the Indians— Exploits of Paul Jones 
— Failure of the expedition to the Penobscot— War in the south — Arrival 
of D'Estaing's fleet— Siege of Savannah — Repulse of the French and 
Americans— Death of Pulaski— Gallant exploit of Colonel AVhite — The 
British evacuate Rhode Island — Clinton invades South Carolina— Siege 
of Charleston— Surrender of the town — Defeat of Colonel Buford at the 
Waxhaws — General Gates appointed to the command in the south — Par- 
tisan war of Marion and Sumter— Knyphausen's excursion to New 
Jersey — Arrival of a French fleet and army, under DeTiernay and 
Rochambeau — Lord Cornwallis in South Carolina — Battle of Camden — 
Disasters of the Americans — Cornwallis threatens North Carolina — 
'Colonel Furguson's expedition to the north — Defeat of the British at 
King's Mountain — Atrocities of the war — Imprisonment and escape of 
General Wadsworth, 157 

CHAPTER IX. 

American Revolution. — Treason of Arnold — Capture and execution of 
Andre — Adventures of Sergeant-Major Champe — Arnold's invasion of 
Virginia — His marauding expedition to Connecticut — Capture of New 
London — Catastrophe of Fort Griswold — Revolt of the Pennsylvania line 
— Foreign relations of the United States — Aflairs in Florida and Louisi- 
ana — Capture of Mr. Laurens — Mission of John Adams to Holland, 177 

CHAPTER X. 

American Revolution. — -Campaign in the south — General Greene appointed 
to the command of the southern army — jMarch of Cornwallis to North 
Carolina — Battle of Cowpens — Defeat of Pill's tory regiment — Greene's 
retreat to Virginia — Battle of Guilford — March of Cornwallis to Virginia 
— Clinton sends troops to the Chesapeake — Battle between Green and 
Rawdon — Devastations of the British in Virginia — Manoeuvres of Steuben 
and La Fayette — bold stratagem of General Wajme — Greene's move- 
ments in South Carolina — Battle of Eutaw Springs — War in Virginia — 
Cornwallis fortifies himself in Yorktown — Washington's dexterous ma- 
noeuvres — Arrival of De Grasse's French fleet — Battle between De Grasse 
and Admiral Graves — Siege of Yorktown — Surrender of Cornwallis — 
Campaign of Greene and Wayne in the south — Expulsion of the British 
from the Carolinas and Georgia, ....... 196 

CHAPTER XI. 
American Revolution. — Obstinacy of George III. — Effects of the surrender 
of Corn'ti'allis — Opposition in parliament — Change of ministry — Sir Guy 



X CONTENTS. 

Carleton appointed to the command in America — Negotiations at Paris — 
Peace between the United Slates and Great Britain— General pacification 
in America and Europe — Treatment of American prisoners by the British 
— The Jersey prison-ship — Depreciation of the continental currency — 
Discontents of the army— Mutiny of the Pennsylvania line— Outrage 
committed upon congress— Decisive measures of Washington — The army 
disbanded — Washington resigns his commission 216 

CHAPTER XII. 

The Confedkration. — Washington retires to private life — State of the 
country — Defects of the old confederation — Embarrassments after the 
termination of the war — Foundation of the Order of Cincinnati — Trouble 
in the Eastern States — Insurrection of Shays — The militia of Massa- 
chusetts raised — Affair of Springfield— Defeat of the insurgents— Tran- 
quillity restored — Plan for a new federal government — Convention of 
Philadelphia — Formation of the Federal Constitution — Washington elected 
president— His tour through the country — Hamilton's financial system 
— United States Bank established — "Vermont admitted into the Union 
— First census — Indian war — Defeat of St. Clair — AVayne's campaign — 
Defeat of the Indians — Treaty of Grenville — The Whiskey Insurrection 
in Pennsylvania — Commencement of the French Revolution — Arrival of ' 
Genet in the United States — His extraordinary behavior and recall — 
Jay's treaty — Adams elected president — Hostility of the French Directory 
— Capture of the Insurgente — Peace with France — Death of Wash- 
ington, 226 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Jefferson's Administration. — Purchase of Louisiana — Commercial afi^airs 
— War Avith Tripoli — Destruction of the frigate Philadelphia — March of 
General Eaton from Egypt — Capture of Derne — Peace with Tripoli — 
Affairs with Spain — Burr's conspiracy — Reelection of Jefferson — Trou- 
bles with Great Britain — Attack on the Chesapeake — Singular effects of 
this outrage— Depredations upon American commerce — Paper blockades — 
Napoleon's Berlin decree — The British orders in council — Mr. Jefferson's 
gun-boat system — The embargo — Non-intercourse with England — Madi- 
son elected president — Erskine's mission — Affair of the President and 
Little Belt — Revocation of the Berlin and Milan decrees and the British 
orders in council, . 242 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Settlement of the Western States. — Expedition of Daniel Boone to 
Kentucky — Henderson's expedition — Indian wars — Battle of Blue Licks 
— Emigration to the west — Settlement of Tennessee — Settlement of Ohio 
— Purchase of Indian lands — Expedition of Lewis and Clarke — Intrigues 
of the British among the Indians — Hostility of Blue Jacket and Tecumseh 
— Impostures and intrigues of the prophet — Treaty of the Wabash — Nego- 
tiations with Tecumseh — Confederacy of the Indian tribes against the 
United States — Indian murders and robberies — General Harrison marches 



CONTENTS. XI 

against the Imlians— Battle of Tippecanoe— Defeat and dispersion of the 
enemy — Flight of the prophet, 258 

CHAPTER XV. 
War of 1812.— Relations with Great Britain— Bad faith of the British 
cabinet — Impressment of American seamen — Affair ^f John Henry — 
Party dissensions — Declaration of war with Great Britain — Mob at Balti- 
more — Cruise of Commodore Rogers — Chase of the Constitution — Cap- 
ture of the Guerriere — Capture of the Alert— Capture of the Macedonian 
— Capture of the Frolic — Capture of the Java — Exultation of the Amer- 
icans — Military operations by land— Errors of the cabinet — Campaign of 
General Hull — Invasion of Canada — Capture of Mackinaw by the British 
— Surrender of Hull's army — Harrison's march — Capture of Fort De- 
fiance — War on the Niagara frontier — Dearborn's armistice — Attack on 
Queenstown — Misconduct of the New York militia — Affairs on the lakes 
— End of the campaign of 1812 — Meeting of congress — Negotiations for 
peace — Reelection of Mr. Madison, 281 

CHAPTER XVI. 

War of 1812. — Harrison's winter campaign — Massacre at the River Raisin 
— Affairs on Lake Ontario — Capture of York — Death of General Pike — 
Capture of Fort George — Disaster at Stony Creek and Beaver Dam — 
Attack on Sackett's Harbor — War on the Atlantic coast — Devastations 
of the British in the Chesapeake — Bombardment of Lewistown — Cock- 
burn's marauding expedition — Capture of the Peacock — Loss of the 
frigate Chesapeake — Loss of the Argus — Capture of the Boxer — Loss of 
the Essex — War in the west — Defence of Sandusky by Major Croghan — 
Perry's victory on lake Erie — Harrison's invasion of Canada — Battle of 
the Thames and death of Tecumseh, 300 

CHAPTER XVII. 
War of 1812. — Operations on the northern frontier — Wilkinson appointed 
to the command — Expedition against flloutreal — Affair of Chrystler's 
Field — March of Hampton — Failure of the campaign — Naval affairs on 
lake Ontario — Burning of Newark — Capture of Fort Niagara — Burning 
of Buffalo — Indian war in the south — Massacre at Fort Mimms — Hostile 
movements of the Creeks — Jackson's campaign — Battle of Talladega — 
Defeat of the Indians— Battle at the Horse-Shoe Bend— Pacification of 
the south, 327 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
War of 1812. — Operations on the northern frontier— Affair of La Cole Mill 
— Operations on lake Champlain— Naval aflairs on lake Ontario— Cap- 
ture of a British force at Sandy Creek— Operations on the Niagara fron- 
tier—Gallant exploit of Captain Holmes— War on the Atlantic coast- 
Attack of Saybrook— Gun-boat battle in Long Island Sound— Capture of 
Eastport— Bombardment of Stonington— Invasion of Maine— Cruise of 
the Constitution— Capture of the Epervier, Reindeer and Avon— Loss 



Zll CONTENTS. 

of the Presideui — Capture of the Cyane and Levant — Cruise of the 
Hornet — Captiire of the Penguin — Gallant exploit of the privateer Arm- 
strong, 346 

CHAPTEE XIX. 
War of 1812. — l^egotiations for peace — Campaign on the Niagara — Battles 
of Chippeway and Bridgewater — Affairs in the Chesapeake — Capture of 
Washington — Attack on Baltimore — Affairs on the Champlain frontier — 
Invasion of Prevost — Battle of Plattsburg and M'Donough's victory — 
Invasion of Louisiana — Battle of New Orleans — Peace of Ghent, 364 



APPENDIX. 

Declaration of Ixdependence, . . . . . . .381 

Anecdotes of the Revolution, 386 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. 



The following work will be found to contain a complete 
history of the American Republic, from that period when 
the North American states, inspired by a unity of principle, 
and aiming at a common purpose, combined their sympa- 
thies, their aspirations, and their endeavors in a grand 
national effort, which cemented still more strongly the 
original ties of kindred blood and common parentage, and 
led to the great federal miion of the present day. The 
sources of American history are clear and distinct. The 
people of this country are not compelled to search for their 
origin, like most other nations, in the obscurity of barbar- 
ous ages and the regions of fiction. Their genealogy is too 
short ai 'oo well ascertained to admit of the embellish- 
ments ana exaggerations of a poetical fancy. At a period 
comparatively recent, their ancestors, consisting of a few 
families, were detached from the great mass of the Euro- 
pean population, and left to their own resources in a vast 
wilderness, where they were surrounded by enemies and 
forced to struggle against every disadvantage. In the short 
space of two centuries, while some of the older states of 
Europe have scarcely made any perceptible advances, these 
few families increased to a great nation, and took their 
place among the most powerful and enlightened states in 
the world. The soVirces of national wealth, and the pro- 
ductive powers of man, which are obscurely traced in the 
slow progress of old and populous communities, are devel- 
oped here on a gigantic scale. It is a fortunate thing for 
the philosophic student, that the history of a people whose 
career has been so singular and instructive, is remarkably 
2 



14 INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. 

full and complete. All the leading events and circumstan- 
ces which have influenced the fortunes or character of the 
people of this country, from the first settlement of a few 
forlorn emigrants, down to the present day, are within the 
reach of investigation; and the steps of that unexampled 
progress, by which a handful of men have expanded to a 
mighty nation, can be accurately and satisfactorily traced. 

North America was discovered by John Cabot, in 1498. 
He then held a commission from Henry the seventh, of 
England, to make discoveries and take possession of new 
territories in the name and in behalf of the king of England. 
Acting upon the principles then current in Europe, that all 
countries inhabited by heathens became the property of any 
Christian power that first discovered them, the British sov- 
ereign maintained his claim to the northern part of the new 
world. Though Queen Elizabeth and James I. denied the 
authority of the pope to give away the country of the infidels, 
yet they so far adopted the fanciful distinction between the 
rights of heathens and the rights of Christians, as to make it 
the foundation of the respective grants by which they con- 
veyed the several portions of the territory of North America 
to their own subjects. They freely gave away what did 
not belong to them, with no other proviso than that "the 
territories and districts so granted, be not previously occu- 
pied and possessed by the subjects of any other Christian 
prince or state." The first English patent which was given 
for the purpose of colonizing the country discovered by 
Cabot, was granted, by Elizabeth, to Sir Humplirey Gilbert, 
in 1578. In 1584, she licensed Sir Walter Raleigh to 
"search for heathen lands not inhabited by Christian peo- 
ple," and granted to him all the soil " within two hundred 
leagues of the places where his people should make their 
dwellings and abidings." Under his auspices a small col- 
ony took possession of a part of the American coast, which 
now forms North Carolina; but no permanent settlement 
was effected till the reign of James the first. 

Virginia is the most ancient of the British American col- 
onies ; but the New England settlements were those which 
exercised the most powerful influence in the western world. 



INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. 16 

It was a most favorable circumatance for the United States 
that the country was colonized chiefly by men of the Saxon 
race. What would have been its situation had it been 
peopled by any of the southern nations of Europe, is well 
apparent from the present state of the Spanish American 
communities. The English, who formed the leading part 
of the colonists, had been, to a great degree, emancipated 
from superstition and priestcraft by the Reformation. 
They had imbibed more liberal ideas in politics than any 
other nation of the world, and had made greater progress 
in industry and the useful arts. The first settlers, no doubt, 
considered their removal to the western continent as a 
painful sacrifice, but, after they had acquired strength to 
maintain themselves against the Indians, the advantages of 
their situation began to appear. An immense territory was 
spread out before a small number of men, who possessed 
the skill and industry of a mature society. The colonists 
left Europe when the effects of industry, the true source of 
national strength, had begun to develop themselves ; when 
civil liberty began to be understood and valued ; when 
religion was stripped of many of its corruptions; when 
knowledge was advancing, and society was settling on its 
proper basis. 

What was the extent of the obligations by which the 
colonies were bound to the mother country, is a subject of 
nice discussion ; whether they arose from nature and the 
British constitution, or from compact, is a question neces- 
sarily connected with many others. While some contended 
that the king of England had a property in the soil of 
America, by virtue of a right derived from prior discovery, 
and that his subjects, by migrating from one part of his 
dominions to another, did not lessen their obligation to obey 
the supreme power of the nation, it was inferred that the 
emigrants to the English colonies continued to owe the 
same obedience to the king and parliament as if they had 
never quitted the land of their nativity. But if, as others 
maintained, the Indians were the only lawful proprietors of 
the country in which their Creator had placed them, and 
they sold their claims to men who, as emigrants, had a 



16 INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. 

right to leave their native country, and, as subjects, had 
obtained chartered permission to do so, it would follow, from 
these premises, that the obligations of the colonists to the 
parent state must have resulted more from compact and 
the prospect of reciprocal advantage, than from natural 
obligation. This opinion was held by the people of New 
England, who were the first among the colonists to per- 
ceive the encroachments of the royal power, and the fore- 
most in resisting it. 

Although Virginia claimed the appellation of the "Old 
Dominion," in consequence of having received the first 
English colony in America, yet the settlers there were so 
deficient in enterprise, ingenuity, hardihood and persever- 
ance, that their establishments remained for a long time in a 
state of insignificance, and they scarcely deserved the appel- 
lation of a regular colony till many years after the settle- 
ment in New England. The true history of the United 
States began here. New England is the quarter from which 
has proceeded the greatness of the western republic. Ply- 
mouth rock is the foundation of American freedom. Reli- 
gious persecution compelled the English puritans to seek an 
asylum in the western world. They landed on the shores 
of Massachusetts in December, 1620. The country was 
an inhospitable wilderness, and the severities of a North 
American winter made this wilderness more dreary and 
appalling. They were at first received by the savage 
inhabitants with a degree of simple humanity. They 
smoked with them the pipe of peace, purchased a tract of 
the uncultivated waste, erected huts on the frozen shore, 
and established a community on the broadest principles of 
political liberty. They entered into a voluntary compact 
with each other, to form a regular society, and drew up a 
covenant by which they bound themselves to submit to 
order and subordination. Their jurisprudence was marked 
with wisdom and dignity, and their simplicity and piety 
were displayed in the regulation of their police, the nature 
of their contracts, and the punctuality with which they 
observed them. They chose their own magistrates, inde- 
pendent of any foreign control. A perfect democracy was 



INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. 17 

founded on the shores of Massachusetts Bay; and this 
obscure transaction, on which the world did not bestow 
even a passing notice at the time, now stands chronicled in 
history as the most important event of the seventeenth 
century. 

From the local situation of the Massachusetts settlers, 
who were separated by a broad ocean from their kindred 
of the parent state, and surrounded by a world of savages, 
a compact with the king of England was thought necessary. 
A charter was easily obtained, which stipulated, on the 
part of the crown, that Massachusetts should have a legis- 
lative body within itself, subject to no control, except the 
king's negative within certain limits, to any laws which 
might be thought prejudicial to the realm of England. 
Modes of government, nearly similar to that of Massachu- 
setts, were established in most of the other colonies. But 
the corrupt principles which prevailed in the courts of the 
Stuart dynasty, quickly followed the emigrants into their 
distant retreats and disturbed them in the enjoyment of 
their free institutions. It soon became evident that there 
was a strong party in England who wished to govern the 
colonists with a rigorous hand. They discovered their 
inclinations by repeated attempts to alter and annul the 
American charters on the most frivolous pretences. 

The colonists, and, above all, the New Englanders, 
looked upon their charters as a voluntary compact between 
their sovereign and themselves, by which they were bound 
neither to be subject to, nor to seek protection from, any 
other prince, nor to make any laws repugnant to those of 
England. They did not consider the charters as binding 
them to yield any obedience to a parliament in which they 
were unrepresented. The prospects of advantage which 
the emigrants to America expected from the protection of 
their native sovereign, and the prospect of aggrandizement 
which the sovereign expected from the extension of his 
empire, made the one as willing to grant, as the other to 
receive, the charters ; but neither party reasoned clearly on 
their nature, nor understood their extent and significance, 
nor distinctly foresaw their tendencies. For a while the 
2* 



18 - INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. 

charters opposed a barrier to all open and gross encroach- 
ments of tiie mother comitry on the rights of the colonists. 
Long before the declaration of independence, several of the 
colonies, on different occasions, had declared that they 
onght not to be taxed, bnt by their own provincial assem- 
blies, and that they considered subjection to acts of a 
British parliament, in which they had no representation, as 
a grievance. 

It is particularly worthy of remark, as illustrating the 
question of the original political rights of the Americans, 
that, of the whole thirteen colonies which took up arms 
against the encroachments of the crown, not one was settled 
at the expense of the government, excepting Georgia, the 
most recently established and least important of the num- 
ber. Towards the settlement of that southern frontier, 
considerable sums had at diflerent times been granted by 
parliament, but the twelve other provinces had been wholly 
settled by private adventurers, without any advances from 
the national treasury. It does not appear, from existing 
records, that any compensation for their lands was ever 
made to the aborigines of America, by the crown or parlia- 
ment of England ; but policy as well as justice led the col- 
onists to purchase and pay for what they occupied. 

Another point, important to be kept in mind, is that the 
first American settlers left England at a period when the 
dread of arbitrary power was the predominant feeling of 
the nation. Except in the case of.Georgia, all the colonies 
obtained their charters between the years 1603 and 16S8. 
During this period a remarkable struggle between preroga- 
tive and privilege commenced, and was carried on till it 
terminated in a revolution in England, which was highly 
favorable to popular liberty. The religion of the colonists 
also nurtHred a love for liberty. They were chiefly pro- 
testants, and all protestantism is fovinded on a strong claim 
to natural freedom, and the right of private judgment. A 
majority of them were of that class of men, called, in Eng- 
land, dissenters ; their tenets, embracing the most rigid 
portion of the protestant religion, are hostile to all inter- 
ference of authority in matters of opinion, and predispose 



INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. 19 

those who cherish them to an inclination for civil lib- 
erty. 

The inhabitants of the colonies, from the beginning, 
especially in New England, enjoyed a government very 
little short of mdependence. They had not only the image, 
but the substance, of the English constitution. They chose 
most of their magistrates, and paid them all. They had in 
effect the sole direction of their internal government. The 
chief mark of their subordination consisted in their making 
no laws repugnant to the laws of the mother country ; in 
submitting their laws to the approbation of the king, and 
obeying such restrictions as were laid on their trade by 
parliament. These restrictions were to a great extent 
evaded with impunity. The other small checks were 
scarcely felt, and, for a long time, were in no respects inju- 
rious to their interests. Under these favorable circumstan- 
ces the colonies had advanced nearly to the magnitude of 
a nation, Avdiile the greater part of Europe was almost 
wholly ignorant of their progress. Some arbitrary pro- 
ceedings of the governors appointed by the crown, some 
proprietary partialities or democratical jealousies, now and 
then interrupted their political calm, but the circumstances 
of the country afforded but little scope for the intrigues of 
politicians or the turbulence of demagogues. All this time 
they were rising higher, and, though not aware of the fact, 
growing fast to a greater degree of political consequence. 

From small and hardly perceptible beginnings, the col- 
lision between the royal authority and the rights of the 
colonists grew to such an extent as to attract serious 
notice. It was evident that the mother country was 
inclined to make a more liberal use of her prerogative than 
the colonists judged to be consistent with their natural and 
constitutional rights. The legislature of MassSchusetts 
maintained the most persevering opposition against the 
royal governors, on the question of their right to fix his 
salary. The restrictions upon the trade and manufactures 
of the colonies increased, and soon began to be felt a griev- 
ance. In 1750, special acts of parliament forbade the 
erection of any iron works in the colonies ; obstructions 



20 INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. 

were also thrown in the way of other branches of industry ; 
the commerce between one colony and another was fettered 
by the most absurd and vexatious prohibitions. These 
measures were of the most offensive character, and seemed 
designed to crush the native talent of the Americans and 
keep them in a constant state of inferiority. 

One of the first occurrences, which, as an evidence of 
their increasing importance, drew on the colonies a large 
share of attention in Europe, was the capture of Louis- 
burg, in 1745, from France, during the war between that 
country and Great Britain. This enterprise was projected 
by Governor Shirley, of Massachusetts, and undertaken by 
the sole authority of the legislature of that state. The 
reduction of this important fortress, the Gibraltar of Amer- 
ica, as it was then considered, gave both the French and 
English enlarged ideas of the value and strength of the 
American colonies. Both nations now became eager to 
extend their boundaries in this quarter, and the peace 
which ensued was of short duration. On the renewal of 
hostilities, a design was projected by the British govern- 
ment to draw forth the resources of the colonies in a uni- 
form system of operation against the French. A general 
meeting of the governors and chief members of the pro- 
vincial legislatures, was held at Albany, in 1754. The 
British commissioners at this congress were of opinion that 
a union of the colonies was necessary, and they proposed a 
plan to the following effect : that a grand coiuicil should be 
formed of members, to be chosen by the provincial legisla- 
tures, which council, together with a governor to be 
appointed by the' crown, should be authorized to make 
general laws, and also to raise money from all the colonies 
for their common defence. The leading members of the 
colonial Assemblies were of opinion that, if this plan were 
adopted, they could defend themselves from the French 
without any assistance from Great Britain. This plan, 
when submitted to the British government, excited their 
jealousy. They foresaw that a union of the colonies might 
teach them the secret of their own strength, and lead to 
notions of independence. The " Albany Plan of Union" 



INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. 21 

was therefore rejected, and another scheme framed by the 
ministry, which was far from meeting the approbation of 
the colonies. 

This jealousy of the increasing strength of the colonies 
never abandoned the British ministry. During the wars 
with France, many of the provinces made exertions in the 
common cause far beyond what was expected of them. 
As often as money or men were wanted by the ministry, 
requisitions were made upon the legislatures : these were 
generally complied with in a prompt and bountiful manner. 
Yet Mr. Pitt, the minister, is said to have told Dr. Frank- 
lin, that, when the war closed, if he should be at the head 
of affairs, he would take measures to prevent the colonies 
from having a power to refuse or delay the supplies that 
might be wanted for national purposes. In the prosecution 
of this war the advantages derived from the colonies by 
Great Britain were immense. Upwards of four hundred 
privateers were fitted out of the colonial ports to cruise 
against the French. The number of colonial troops who 
served in the different campaigns amounted to twenty-three 
thousdnd and eight hundred. In addition to these they 
sent powerful reinforcements to join the expeditions which 
captured Havana and Martinique. The success of the 
British arms, in consequence of the aid afforded by the 
American colonies, laid the foundation of that great naval 
superiority of England, which subsequently excited the 
envy and the fears of Eflrope. The peace of 1763, gave 
Great Britain .the possession of an extent of country equal 
in dimensions to several kingdoms of Europe. The posses- 
sion of Canada in the north, and of East and West Florida 
in the south, made her almost sole mistress of the North 
American continent. 

But another consequence, entirely unforeseen, "followed 
the overthrow of the French power in North America. 
The jealous feelings of liberty and independence, which 
were already cherished in the colonies, and which grew 
out of their local situation and the state of society among 
them, were increased by the removal of hostile neighbors. 
The events of the war had also given them some experi- 



22 INTROmCTORY SKETCH. 

ence in military operations, and much confidence in their 
own strength. They were not slow in foreseeing their 
future importance from the rapid increase of their popula- 
tion and the extension of their commerce; and being 
extremely jealous of their rights, they readily admitted, 
and with pleasure indulged, ideas and sentiments which 
were favorable to independence. Yet of this tJiey were all 
unconscious themselves. Not a word had been uttered 
about resisting the authority of the mother country; but 
the colonists knew their rights, and saw, more clearly than 
ever, the means of resisting any encroachments upon them. 

At the peace of 1763, the national debt of Great Britain 
amounted to one hundred and forty eight millions sterling ; 
a sum which was considered at that day as most enor- 
mous, although it has since been augmented six fold. Yet 
the means then possessed by the nation for meeting this 
expense were comparatively small. The ministry, in their 
deliberations for raising a revenue to pay off the interest of 
the debt, among other expedients turned toward the colo- 
nies for supplies. A general scheme of taxation by the 
authority of parliament at first suggested itself, but the 
question was open to controversy. On the one hand it was 
urged that the late war originated on account of the colo- 
nies, and that it was reasonable, considering it had termi- 
nated in a manner so favorable to their interests, that they 
should contribute tOAvards defraying the expenses of it. 
The colonists admitted the streil^th of this argument ; but 
the ministerial party contended farther, that the British 
parliament, as the supreme power of the empire, was con- 
stitutionally vested with an authority to tax every part of 
the British dominions. This doctrine, plausible enough 
in itself, and conformable to the letter of the British consti- 
tution ^-hen the whole dominion was represented in one 
assembly, was reprobated in the colonies as contrary to the 
spirit of the British government, when. the empire became 
so far extended as to have many distinct representative 
assemblies. 

The colonists regarded the excellence of the British con- 
stitution to consist in the popular character of the parlia- 



INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. 23 

ment, where the people had a share in the government by- 
appointing members, who formed one of its constituent 
branches, and without whose concurrence no law, binding 
on them, could be enacted. In England, on the contrary, 
it was asserted to be essential to the unity of the empire 
that the British parliament should have a right of taxation 
over every part of the royal dominion. In the colonies it 
was believed that taxation and representation were insep- 
arable, and that the Americans could neither be free nor 
happy if their property could be taken from them without 
their consent. The people of America reasoned on this 
subject in a summary way. If a British parliament, said 
they, in which we are unrepresented, and over which we 
have no control, can take from us any part of our property 
by direct taxation, they may take as much as they please, 
and we have no security for anything that remains, but 
their own forbearance. The Americans inherited this 
jealousy of arbitrary power from their ancestors. They 
viewed the exclusive right of laying taxes on themselves, 
by the authority of the mother country, in the same light 
as the British parliament viewed its peculiar privilege of 
raising money independent of the crown. The parent 
state appeared to the colonists to stand in the same relation 
to their local legislatures, as the king of Great Britain to 
the parliament ; his prerogative being limited by that palla- 
dium of the people's liberty, the exclusive privilege of 
granting their own money. 

There were precedents in the history of England which 
justified this reasoning. The love of property strengthened 
it among the colonists, and it had a peculiar force in their 
minds, three thousand miles removed from the parent 
state, and growing up to maturity in a new world, where, 
from the extent of country and the state of society, every 
feeling favorable to political liberty was zealously cher- 
ished. On the other hand, the people of Great Britain 
revolted against the pretensions and claims of the colonists. 
Educated in habits of submission to parliamentary author- 
ity and parliamentary taxation, they conceived it to be the 
excess of contumacy for the colonists to refuse obedience to 



24 INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. 

the power which they had been taught to revere. Not 
advertmg to the common interest which existed between 
the people of Great Britain and their representatives, they 
beUeved that the same rights existed, ahhough the same 
community of interests was wanting. The pride of an 
opulent, conquering nation aided this mode of reasoning. 
" What," said they, " shall we who have so lately humbled 
France and Spain, be dictated to by our colonists ? Shall 
our subjects, educated by our care and defended by our 
arms, presume to question the rights of parliament, to 
which we are obliged to submit?" Reflections of this 
kind, so congenial to human vanity, operated so exten- 
sively that the people of Great Britain were accustomed to 
speak of the colonies and their inhabitants as a kind of 
property, without any regard to the feelings or the political 
rights of the human beings whose welfare was so deeply 
interested in the matter. The love of power and of prop- 
erty on the one side of the Atlantic, was opposed by the 
same powerful passion on the other side. 




AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



CHAPTER II, 



American Revolution. — State of feeling among the North American 
colonists — Loyalty of the Americans — Effect of the peace of Paris — 
Political privileges of the colonies — Scheme fur taxing the Americans — 
Resolutions of the House of Commons — Imposition of duties on imports 
— Penal enactments — Remonstrances of the colonists — Scheme for a 
stamp act — Opposition in the House of Commons — Speech of Colonel 
Barre — The stamp act passed — Fra?iklin''s remark upor), the stamp act — 
Consternation in America — General disaffection of the colonies — Reso- 
lutions in the legislature of Virginia — Speech of Patrick Henry — Com- 
bination among the colonies — Exciternent on the subject of the stamp act 
— Disturbances at Boston — Affairs in Connecticut and the southern 
colonies — Stamped paper burnt at New York — General opposition to 
the stamp act — Discontent in England — Speech of Lord Chatham in 
parliament — Repeal of the stamp act — Farther designs of the British 
government — The tea tax — Proceedings in Massachusetts — Convention 
at Boston — British troops sent to Boston — Non-importation league — 
Boston Massacre — Discovery of the Hutchinson letters — Great excite- 
ment at Boston — Arrival of the tea ships — Ferment at Boston — De- 
struction of the tea. 

The history of the North American colonies now assumes 
an entirely new character, although the spirit and temper 
of the colonists remained the same. Great Britain had from 
the beginning treated her children in the western world as 
a grudging and» unnatural step-mother. The narrow and 
illiberal policy of the British government towards her 
North American colonies, from their first settlement, was 
3 



26 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

calculated to alienate the affections of the colonies from the 
parent country; yet, from their exposed situation and 
habitual loyalty, this conduct, long persevered in, produced 
no sensible impression on the Americans ; their loyalty and 
attachment to the interests of Britain were not in the small- 
est degree impaired, down to the period of the peace of 
Paris, in 1763. Never had they shown so much zeal, or 
made such great sacrifices in the cause of their country, as 
during the preceding war ; having lost more than twenty- 
five thousand men, expended all the revenues they could 
raise, and involved themselves deeply in debt. Nearly all 
the burden of the war in America had fallen on the colo- 
nies ; and their exertions were altogether disproportionate 
to their means, and tended greatly to impoverish and dis- 
tress them. After eight years' arduous struggles, attended 
with the greatest sacrifices, the successful termination of 
the war, — the dominion of France in America being relin- 
quished forever, — occasioned universal joy throughout the 
colonies ; they forgot their suflerings and distresses, in the 
fair prospects which the peace afforded. 

But these prospects were of short duration ; the peace of 
Paris formed a new era in the views and conduct of Great 
Britain towards her colonies in America. The possessions 
of France in America having been ceded to Britain, and 
having no longer any fear of her power in this hemisphere, 
a system of measures was pursued towards the colonies, 
originating in jealousy, and tending to despotism. As soon 
as the colonies had fought their way to a condition which 
aftbrded the prospect of rapidly increasing in population 
and wealth, attempts were made to restrict their commer- 
cial and political privileges, and gradually to reduce them 
to the most wretched state of colonial vassalage. For a 
century and a half, the colonies had been left to themselves, 
as to taxation ; their own local assemblies had provided the 
necessary revenues to defray the expenses of their govern- 
ments; and the parliament of Great Britain had, neither 
directly nor indirectly, ever attempted to derive a dollar of 
revenue from America. Although various acts had from 
time to time been passed, regulating the trade and com- 



PROJECTS OF TAXING THE COLONIES. 1764. 27 

merce of the colonies, yet none of these were designed or 
regarded, either in Britain or America, as revenue laws. 

But, in an inauspicious moment, the British ministry con- 
ceived the idea of taxing the colonies, under the pretence 
of providing for their protection, but in reality to relieve 
the nation from the immense debt, the weight of which 
hung heavily upon it. This impolitic scheme, originating 
with the cabinet, was easily introduced into parliament; 
and, in March, 1764, as a prelude to the memorable stamp 
act, the house of commons resolved, — " That towards 
defraying the necessary expenses of protecting the colonies, 
it may be necessary to charge certain stamp duties upon 
them;'''' and this resolution was followed by what was 
commonly called the sugar act, passed on the 5th of April, 
and introduced by the following truly alarming preamble : 
^'Whereas it is just and necessary that a revenue be 
raised in America, for defraying the expenses of defending, 
protecting, and securing the same; we, the commons, &c., 
towards raising the same, give and grant unto your majesty, 
after the 29th day of September, 1764, on clayed sugar, 
indigo, and coffee, of foreign produce, and various other 
articles, the sum of," <fee. This was the first act adopted 
by parliament for the avowed object of raising a revenue 
in the colonies. 

The justice of this measure, which appeared so clear to 
the British parliament, was regarded in America as oppres- 
sion and tyranny, and occasioned great excitement and 
alarm. The deceptive pretension, that the revenue was to 
be raised for the purpose of protecting the colonies, was 
only adding insult to injustice ; as the colonies supposed 
that they were capable of protecting themselves ; and they 
apprehended that the object was rather, under the pretence 
of affording them protection, to maintain a military force 
in America, for the purpose of dragooning them into sub- 
mission, and enforcing an unconstitutional system of taxa- 
tion; thereby rendering them the instruments of forging 
their own chains. 

This act was rendered more disgusting by a provision 
that the money raised by it must be paid in specie, and 



28 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



another, that those charged with having violated the reve- 
nue laws might be prosecuted in the courts of admiralty ; 
whereby they were deprived of the privilege of trial by a 
jury, and were liable to be condemned by a single officer 
of the crown, whose salary was to be paid from the very 
forfeitures decreed by himself And this was not all, or 
even the worst ; as the trial was conducted on such prin- 
ciples, that the accused, contrary to the well-known maxims 
of the common law, and repugnant to every idea of justice, 
was obliged to prove himself innocent, or suffer the pen- 
alties of the law. These iniquitous proceedings destroyed 
all security of property, and left every one at the mercy 
of the minions of the British crown. Their pernicious 
influence was soon felt extensively in the colonies ; they no 
longer regarded Great Britain as an affectionate mother, 
but viewed her in the light of a selfish, cruel, and imperious 
step-mother. 




George Grenville. 



The designs of the ministry were perceived, and occa- 
sioned great alarm, which spread wider and wider, until 



THE STAMP ACT. 



-1765. 



29 



it became universal in the colony. The press, that great 
engine of truth and liberty, was called into requisition ; the 
subject was ably and elaborately discussed ; and the more 
it was discussed, and the better it was understood, the 
more strong and determined the opposition became. All 
the colonies petitioned and remonstrated against these 
obnoxious measures, and most of them appointed agents to 
present their memorials to parliament, or the king. But, 
notwithstanding the opposition and excitement in America, 
and the remonstrances of the colonies, Mr. George Gren- 
ville, who was at the head of the treasury, prepared the 
Stamp Act, and introduced it into parliament in February, 
1765. It was opposed, with all the powers of eloquence, 
by Alderman Beckford, Mr. Jackson^ Colonel Barre, Sir 
William Meredith, and others. 




Colonel Barre. 



In the debate on the stamp act, Mr. Charles Townshend, 

defending the measure, used the following language : 

"And now will these Americans, children planted by our 

own care, nourished up by our indulgence till they are 

3# 



30 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

grown to a degree of strength and opulence, and protected 
by our arms ; — will they grudge to contribue their mite to 
relieve us from the heavy weight of that burden which 
we lie under?" This called forth an energetic and elo- 
quent reply from Colonel Barre, the friend of the colonists, 
and the individual who conferred on them the name by 
which they were known during the early part of the strug- 
gle — that of " Sons of Liberty." He retorted upon Towns- 
hend in the following style: — " They planted by your 
care! — No — your oppressions planted them in America. 
They fled from your tyranny to a then uncultivated and 
inhospitable country, where they exposed themselves to 
almost all the hardships to which human nature is liable. 
And yet, actuated by principles of true English liberty, 
they met all hardships with pleasure, compared with those 
they suffered in their own country from those who should 
have been their friends. — They nourished vp by your 
indulgetice ! They grew up by your neglect of them. As 
soon as you began to care about them, that care was exer- 
cised in sending persons to rule them, to spy out their 
liberties, to misrepresent their actions, and to prey upon 
them. — They protected by your arms ! They have nobly 
taken up arms in your defence; have exerted a valor, 
amidst their constant and laborious industry, for the de- 
fence of a country whose frontier was drenched in blood, 
while its interior parts yielded all its little savings to your 
emolument. I know more of America than the most of 
you, having seen, and been conversant in that country. 
The people, I believe, are as truly loyal as an)'- subjects 
the king has, but they are a people jealous of their liber- 
ties, and Avho trill vindicate thcni, if they shoidd be violated. 
The subject is too delicate — 1 will say no more." These 
bold and forcible apostrophes, thrown out on the spur of 
the moment, with exceeding force and confidence, threw 
the whole house of commons into amazement. The mem- 
bers were struck dumb, and sat for some minutes, gazing 
upon one another in silent amazement. 

On the second reading of the bill,, various petitions, not 
only from the colonies, but from the London merchants 



THE STAMP ACT. 1765. 31 

interested in the American trade, were presented ; but the 
petitions were not even received, being refused on the plea 
that no memorial could be received on a money bill. Hav- 
ing passed both houses of parliament, on the 22d of March, 
the stamp act received the royal assent. Dr. Franklin, 
then in England, as agent for Pennsylvania, wrote to 
Charles Thompson, afterwards secretary of congress — 
" The sun of liberty is set ; you must light up the lamps 
of industry and economy." Mr. Thompson, in a spirited 
reply, observed, " that he thought other lights would be 
lighted up to resist these unconstitutional measures." It 
is unnecessary to add, that this prediction was soon ful- 
filled. 

This unjust and impolitic act was the first great cause 
which led to the American revolution. It was passed in 
parliament on the 7th of February, 1765, under the min- 
istry of Grenville. The period of thirteen months which 
followed, was the most eventful and tumultuous of any 
which had hitherto occurred in the colonies ; the appre- 
hensions of the people were roused to the highest pitch, 
and the most determined spirit of opposition prevailed 
throughout the colonies. 

The Americans had not believed that the act would be 
passed ; and, on receiving the intelligence, every one was 
struck with astonishment, and filled with consternation. 
They looked at each other with amazement, and, for a 
short interval, hesitated what course to pursue ; but soon, 
recovering from their consternation, they determined not 
to submit to such a flagrant outrage on their rights. In 
Boston, the ships in the harbor, in token of the deepest 
mourning, suspended their colors half-mast high ; the bells • 
were tolled ; and the hateful act, with a death's head in 
front of it, with the motto — " The folly of England, and 
the ruin of America,''^ was paraded in solemn procession 
about the streets. 

A settled discontent soon spread throughout the colonies, 
and the opposition became general and determined ; the 
spirit of the people gave a tone to the colonial assemblies, 
and bold and decided resolutions were adopted against the 



32 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

iniquitous scheme of parliamentary taxation. Virginia 
took the lead, and, on the 28th of May, 1765, Patrick 
Henry introduced his celebrated resolutions into the house 
of burgesses, which declared that the inhabitants of that 
colony were entitled to, and had possessed and enjoyed, all 
the rights, liberties, and privileges of the people of Great 
Britain; that the general assembly of the colony had 
always exercised, and alone possessed, the power to levy 
taxes and imposts on the inhabitants of the colony, and 
that they " were not bound to yield obedience to any law 
or ordinance whatsoever, designed to impose any taxation 
whatever upon them, other than the law and ordinances of 
the general assembly." In his defence of these resolutions, 
Henry gave vent to that celebrated burst of eloquence: 
" Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, 

and George the Third" "Treason! treason!" burst 

from the lips of the speaker, and most of the members of 
the assembly. Henry faltered not an instant, but, with 
the most emphatic determination of voice and manner, 
continued, — '■'■ may jirofit by their example ! " 

These resolutions were communicated to all the colo- 
nies, and the spirit they breathed spread from one legisla- 
ture to another, and their sentiments were reiterated in 
resolutions adopted by the legislatures, and the freemen in 
public meetings. Committees were appointed, by the 
assemblies of the colonies, to correspond with each other, 
and to meet for consultation ; the object of which was to 
secure harmony of feeling and concert of action. These 
measures had a very happy effect. In the mean time, the 
press teemed with constant publications, vindicating the 
rights of the colonies ; and many of them were of a highly 
inflammatory .character, calculated to raise the public 
mind to the highest pitch. The pulpit, also, particularly 
in New England, labored in the same cause, with great 
zeal and effect. The flame of liberty kindled from breast 
to breast, and spread from province to province, until 
the conflagration became general. The spirit of opposi- 
tion ran so high, as to break out into acts of tumult and 
disorder. 



THE STAMP ACT. 1765. 33 




Patrick Henry. 

In Boston, the effigy of Mr. Oliver, the stamp master, 
was burnt, and his house assailed, partly demolished, and 
his furniture destroyed ; and, soon after, the house of Wil- 
liam Storer, deputy-register of the court of admiralty, was 
attacked, and the books and files of the court destroyed ; 
and the house of Benjamin Hallowell, comptroller of the 
customs, shared the same fate. These outrages were 
followed by a more bold and daring attack upon the dwell- 
ing of Mr. Hutchinson, lieutenant-governor of the prov- 
ince; he was obliged to flee to save his life, and his 
house was entirely demolished, except the walls, and every- 
thing in it destroyed or carried off". Similar outrages were 
committed in other places. In Connecticut, Mr. Ingersoll, 
the stamp officer, was burnt in effigy in many towns ; and 
whilst he was proceeding from New Haven to Hartford, 
where the assembly was in session, he was pursued and 
overtaken by a large concourse of people, some from more 
than thirty miles, and compelled to resign his office, which 
was followed by three hearty cheers of liberty and pro- 
perty. This took place at Weathersfield, from whence 



34 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

the people, who were headed by mihtia officers, proceeded 
to Hartford, where Mr. Ingersoll was compelled to read 
his resignation in the hearing of the assembly, which was 
succeeded by loud acclamations of liberty and property. 
In New York, the stamp officer was compelled to resign, 
and Liieutenant-Governor Golden was burnt in effigy, with 
a stamp bill in his hand, suspended from his own coach, 
and the whole was consumed together. 

In the southern colonies, the public feeling did not lead 
to the same excesses ; but in all of them, means were 
found to compel the stamp officers to resign ; and in all 
the colonies the assemblies adopted resolutions in opposi- 
tion to the stamp act, although, in many of them, the 
royal governors prorogued and attempted to stop their 
proceedings. The members of the colonial assemblies 
were animated and encouraged by the people, who, in 
most of the towns, instructed them to oppose the stamp 
act. But the most important measure to unite the colo- 
nies, and give energy and effect to their opposition, was 
convening a continental congress, consisting of deputies 
appointed by each colony. This measure was first pro- 
posed by the assembly of Massachusetts. The meeting 
was appointed to be holden in New York, in October. 1765. 
All the colonies, except New Hampshire, Virginia, North 
Carolina, and Georgia, sent deputies ; the three last of 
these colonies were prevented by their governors, and the 
first excused itself on account of its peculiar situation. 
The congress, after mature deliberation, adopted a decla- 
ration of rights, and a statement of the grievances of the 
colonies, and asserted, in the strongest terms, their ex- 
emption from all taxes not imposed by their own repre- 
sentatives. It also prepared a petition to the house of 
commons. 

As the first of November, the time when the stamp act 
was to go into operation, approached, public feeling be- 
came still stronger, and was excited to the utmost to pre- 
vent the execution of the law. In New York, ten boxes 
of stamps, which had arrived there from Connecticut, were 
seized by the populace and burned ; and in other ports, 



THE STAMP ACT. 1765. 35 

the masters of vessels, which brought out stamps, were 
compelled to return with their detestable cargoes, or de- 
liver them up to the people to be destroyed. In Boston 
and many of the other principal towns, the first of Novem- 
ber, 1765, was kept as a day of mourning and deep distress ; 
all the shops were shut, the bells were tolled, muffled, and 
the effigies of the authors and abettors of the act were car- 
ried in procession through the streets,' and then torn to 
pieces and consumed by the flames. 

The lawyers of the supreme court in New Jersey re- 
solved that they would not purchase the stamps in their 
professional business, and that they would relinquish their 
practice as a sacrifice to the public good ; and the principal 
merchants in the colonies, and great numbers of other 
classes of the inhabitants, entered into solemn engagements, 
not only to refuse to use the stamps, but also not to import 
any more goods from Great Britain until the stamp act 
should be repealed. Associations were formed, called the 
"Sons of Liberty," the object of which was, to assist and 
protect with force, if necessary, every one who might be 
in danger from his resistance or opposition to the stamp act. 
Such was the effect of these measures, that, on the first of 
November, when the act went into operation, not a sheet 
of stamped paper could be purchased througliout the whole 
extent of the colonies. 

The restrictive measures produced distress and tumults 
in England, large numbers of the manufacturers being 
thrown out of employment, and more than forty thousand, 
with black flags, appeared in the streets of London, and 
surrounded the royal palace and parliament house. For- 
tunately, a change of ministry took place, in consequence 
of what was called the regency bill, and Lord Grenville 
was succeeded by the Marquis of Rockingham, as first 
lord of the treasury, and the Duke of Grafton and General 
Conway were appointed secretaries of state. In January, 
1766, the parliament met; the affairs of America occupied 
the principal attention, and the first talents of the house 
were engaged in the discussion. Lord Chatham, who had 
been confined to his bed by sickness when the stamp act 



36 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 




Lord Chatham. 

was passed, now came forward as the great champion of 
the rights of the Americans, and with his manly and all- 
powerful eloquence opposed the unjust, unconstitutional, 
and dangerous measure ; he even justified the Americans 
in their resistance of an act of tyranny and oppression. 
After a long and animated discussion, the act was repealed, 
on the 18th of March, 1766 ; accompanied, however, with 
a declaration, " that the king and parliament had, and 
of right ought to have, full power and authority to make 
laws and statutes of sufficient force to bind the colonies, 
and his majesty's subjects in them, in all cases whatever J^ . 
An act of indemnity was also passed. 

The repeal of the stamp act occasioned universal joy, 
both in Great Britain and America; the ships in the 
Thames displayed their colors, and the whole city of 
London was illuminated : and in the colonies, notwith- 
standing the declaratory act, asserting the principle of 
taxation, the rejoicings were universal ; the non-importa- 
tion resolutions were rescinded ; animosities, ill-treatment, 
and everything past, were forgotten, and commercial in- 



THE TEA-TAX. 1767. 37 

tercourse with Great Britain was resumed with greater 
activity than ever before had been witnessed. The colo- 
nies hoped and beheved that harmony would now be 
restored, and did everything in their power to promote 
this desirable object. But the officers of the crown, the 
minions of power, and the expectants of place, kept up a 
correspondence with the officers of the British government 
at home, and attempted to promote their own selfish views 
by misrepresenting their countrymen. Governor Bernard, 
of Massachusetts, was the head of this party, which con- 
tributed so much to breed difficulties and bring matters to 
a crisis. Notwithstanding that the declaratory act still 
hung over the heads of the colonies, like a portentous 
cloud, it was not generally expected that the British gov- 
ernment would very soon make another so dangerous an 
experiment. But these reasonable expectations, however, 
soon proved to be fallacious, and all reliance on the justice 
or liberality of Britain was found to be deceptive and 
dangerous. 

Notwithstanding the distraction into which the colonies 
had been thrown by the stamp act, within a few months 
after its repeal, and before the wounds it had occasioned 
had had time to heal, the chancellor of the exchequer, 
Charles Townshend, came forward with a new scheme of 
taxing America, and was so sanguine in his* views, that 
he pledged his character for the success of the project. 
The new revenue scheme was, to take off the duties on 
teas which were paid in Great Britain, and to levy three 
pence per pound on all that was purchased in America, 
and also a duty on tea, paper, glass, and several other arti- 
cles. A board of customs was established, and commis- 
sioners appointed to sit in Boston to collect the duties ; the 
custom officers were to be paid from the revenue thus 
raised ; and the governor, judges of the superior court, and 
other officers in Massachusetts, who had hitherto been 
dependent for their salaries on the colonial legislature, to 
render them independent of the people, and more devoted 
to Great Britain, were also to be paid from these revenues. 
And, to carry the iniquitous system into effect — as unjust 
4 



38 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

laws can only be enforced by unjust means — the powers 
of the court of admiralty were greatly extended, so as to 
deprive the people of trial by jury in prosecutions for vio- 
lating the revenue laws. Writs of assistance, as they were 
called, issued by the governor, or any officer of the rev- 
enue, authorized searching the house of the most respecta- 
ble inhabitant in the province, on suspicion of the conceal- 
ment of contraband or smuggled goods. 

When intelligence of these new parliamentary regulations 
reached America, they occasioned universal astonishment, 
and revived all the excitement and alarm which prevailed 
during the stamp act. In the minds of reflecting men, 
they were regarded as more dangerous than that detested 
measure ; as an indirect and disguised system of taxation 
had a more certain and fatal tendency to undermine the 
liberties, and enslave the people, than direct taxes. The 
colonies, assailed by the same injuries, had recourse to 
their former measures of complaint and supplication ; but 
their petitions were not even read, and their remonstrances 
were treated with contempt, thus adding insult to injustice. 

These accumulated injuries and indignities aroused the 
fears and spirit of the colonies ; and a circular letter, ad- 
dressed to the other colonies, by the assembly of Massa- 
chusetts, contributed to diffuse the flame, and lead to 
concert of acftion. This letter was dated the 11th of Febru- 
ary, 1768, and the sentiments it contained were responded 
to by most of the colonial assemblies. From the bold 
and determined conduct of the general court of Massachu- 
setts, it was prorogued by the governor. Another general 
court was convened in May following. The governor, in 
his first communication, insolently demanded of them, as 
required by the British secretary of state, to rescind the 
resolutions of the preceding assembly, which led to the 
ciicular letter, and intimated that, unless they complied 
immediately, they would be dissolved at once. But the 
assembly acted with a firmness which became the de- 
fenders of liberty; and, instead of complying with his 
haughty mandate, petitioned the king for the removal of 
Governor Bernard, and charged upon him a long catalogue 



A STANDING ARMY IN MASSACHUSETTS. 1768. 39 

of crimes. The governor, exasperated at their conduct, 
immediately dissolved the assembly, and applied to the 
commander-in-chief of the king's troops, then in New 
York, to have several additional regiments sent to Boston. 
Alarmed at these circumstances, the inhabitants of Boston 
besought the governor to convene another assembly ; but 
he treated their request with contempt. 

The crisis required something to be done without delay, 
and, accordingly, letters were written to every town in 
Massachusetts, requesting the appointment of delegates to 
meet in convention at Boston, before the arrival of the 
troops. Delegates from ninety-six towns met on the 22d 
of September. The governor instantly sent them an angry 
message, commanding them to disperse, threatening, in 
case of refusal, that they should suffer the consequence of 
their temerity. The convention, however, was not fright- 
ened into submission, but gave their reasons for convening, 
continued their deliberations, and prepared a petition to 
the king. On the 1st of October, the troops arrived, and 
landed, and, sword in hand, paraded through the streets 
of Boston, which were filled with vast crowds, who, with 
sullen silence, denoting the deepest resentment, witnessed 
this, the first act in the great and bloody drama about to 
be performed. No tumult or resistance, however, ensued, 
notwithstanding the troops were quartered in the houses 
of the inhabitants. The assembly met in May, 1769, and 
immediately adopted resolutions, that the placing an armed 
force Avhere the legislature was convened, to overawe their 
deliberations, was a breach of privilege ; and that the quar- 
tering of troops on the inhabitants in time of 'peace was 
illegal, and a violation of the rights and liberties of British 
subjects. 

A standing army was now stationed in the capital of 
Massachusetts, for the avowed object of coercing the inhab- 
itants into submission ; their commerce was fettered, their 
characters were traduced, the legislature was prevented 
from meeting, and the petitions of all classes to have it 
convened, were treated with contempt by an insolent gov- 
ernor, who threatened to augment the troops, and enforce. 



40 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

at all hazards, his arhitrary and tyrannical measures. It 
cannot be surprising that the fears and exasperations of the 
people exceeded what had ever been witnessed before. At 
this alarming conjuncture, there was no alternative but 
submission or resistance. Petitions had been treated with 
such contempt, that to memorialize any branch of the Brit- 
ish government would be equivalent to submission ; and 
there were but two ways of resistance — eitlier an appeal to 
the sword, or an entire suspension of all commercial inter- 
course with Great Britain. This commerce, as was said 
by Mr. Pitt, in his speech, furnished the means whereby 
Britain had carried on the war with France, and, if con- 
tinued by the colonies, would furnish the means for their 
own oppression. 

As all the colonies were involved in one common dan- 
ger, they readily entered into the most solemn engage- 
ments that no British or India goods should be imported, 
except a few specified articles of necessary use. The 
effects of these arrangements were soon felt in England, 
and produced clamors and even tumults in some parts of 
the kingdom. But the partisans of the crown in America 
endeavored, by their correspondence, to induce the minis- 
try to persevere in their oppressive measures, and repre- 
sented, in the strongest terms, that the interruption of com- 
merce was only an effort of desperation, which could not 
last long. They advised the ministry to purchase large 
quantities of goods, designed for tlie American market, and 
also to allow the merchants engaged in the American 
trade a premium equal to the profits of their stock in busi- 
ness. "If these measures are adopted," said Mr. Oliver, 
secretary in Massachusetts, in one of his letters, " tlie game 
will soon be tip with my coiintrymen.^'' 

The general court, which convened at Boston in May, 
sat several weeks without doing any business, as they 
refused to act as long as an armed force was quartered in 
the town and surrounded the house where they were in 
session. They were finally adjourned to Cambridge. They 
sent several messages to the governor to have the troops 
removed ; but, after evading the matter for some time, he 



TROUBLES IN MASSACHUSETTS. 1768. 41 

declared that he had no authority over the king's troops ; 
thus admitting that the mihtary was above the civil power 
in the province. Governor Bernard sent a provoking mes- 
sage, stating the expenditures of quartering the troops on 
the town, and requesting that provision should be made 
for the same, and also for their future support. The assem- 
bly were thus called on to maintain the instruments by 
which they were to be oppressed and enslaved. But, 
instead of complying with this request, they passed several 
spirited resolutions, censuring the conduct of the governor 
and General Gage, who commanded the troops, for their 
rash and oppressive measures, their wanton violations of 
the constitution, the introduction of a standing army in 
time of peace, and their encroachments on the liberties of 
the citizens and of the province. 

The governor had received an order to repair to Eng- 
land, and lay before the king the state of the colony, which 
he communicated to the assembly, with a request that his 
salary might be continued during his absence, as his office 
would remain. But the assembly informed him, in decided 
terms, that they could not comply with either of his 
requests. On receiving this answer, he immediately, after 
a short, angry, and threatening speech, prorogued the 
legislature. He soon after set soil for Europe, — then little 
thinking he should never return to a countryj that, by his 
violent temper and arbitrary conduct, he had brought to 
the brink of civil war. His reception at court convinced 
the Americans of the truth of what they feared, that the 
governor had been sent for as a tool of mischief, rather 
than for an impartial inquiry into the real situation of the 
province, or an investigation of his own conduct. 

Thomas Hutchinson, the lieutenant-governor, was ap- 
pointed to succeed Governor Bernard. Hutchinson was a 
native of Boston, and had run a career of popularity. 
Whilst, however, he was courting the people at home, he 
was not less assiduous in ingratiating himself into the 
favor of the British government, by misrepresenting his 
countrymen. He was artful and plausible, and possessed 
of popular talents, but was insidious, intriguing and am- 
4* 



42 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

bilious, and the extreme of avarice marked every feature 
of his character. His r» npointment was amiounced at the 
close of the year I7b9. He immediately assumed a 
haughty tone, and aimed at more high-handed measures 
than his predecessor. He commenced his administration 
by informing the assembly that he was indejieiident of 
them and the people, as his majesty had made provision 
for his salary. Secure of the favor of his sovereign, he 
treated the people and the assembly with contempt, and 
answered their repeated solicitations to remove the troops 
from the capital, by withdrawing the garrison from a strong 
fortress in the harbor of Boston, who were in the pay of 
the province, and replacing them by two regiments of the 
king's troops. 

The ebullitions of popular feeling were so high as to 
occasion great alarm with the leading patriots, that it 
would break out into acts of violence, which might injure 
the cause of the people. The miserable minions of power 
in America endeavored to promote this result, and openly 
avowed " that the only method to restore tranquillity was 
to take off the original incendiaries, whose writings had 
instilled the poison of sedition into the people." James 
Otis, the most active, bold and influential patriot of the 
day, having published, under his proper signature, some 
severe strictures on the conduct of the officers of the crown, 
was assaulted in a public room, by a band of hired ruf- 
fians, with swords and bludgeons, and, being covered with 
wounds, was left for dead. The assassins made their 
escape, and took refuge on board the king's ships in the 
harbor. Mr. Otis survived, but the lamp of his under- 
standing, Avhich had glowed with such effulgence, was 
overcast with clouds and darkness. Mr. John Adams says, 
that he "laid the foundation of the American revolution, 
with an energy, and with those masterly talents, which no 
other man possessed ;" and he is justly considered as the 
first martyr to American liberty. 

The insults which the inhabitants of Boston constantly 
experienced from the soldiers, increased their animosit;^ 
towards them to such a degree, as to lead to violence and 



BOSTON MASSACRE. 1770. 



43 



bloodshed. On the 2d of March, 1770, an affray took 
place between a party of soldi-^r^ of the 29th regiment, 
and some ropemakers, hi front ol" Mr. Gray's rope walk. 



" '~n MB!gli'l"Mi'll'lllil' »>= 




i W't 




Boston Massacre. 



This was followed by a more alarming outrage on the 
5th; the mdignant populace pressed upon and insulted 
the soldiers, Avhile under arms, and assailed them with 
clubs, sticks, and snowballs covering stones. Being dared 
to fire by the mob, six of the soldiers discharged their 
muskets, which killed three of the citizens, and wounded 
five others. The town was instantly in commotion ; and 
the mass of the people were so exasperated, that it required 
the utmost exertions to prevent their rallying, and driving 
the British myrmidons out of town ; and nothing but an 
assurance that the troops should be withdrawm, prevented 
this resort to force. The captain of the party, and eight 
men, were brought to trial ; two of the men were found 
guilty ; the captain and the other men were acquitted. A 
general meeting of the inhabitants was immediately as- 
sembled in Faneuil Hall, who unanimously resolved that 
no armed force should be suffered longer to reside in the 
capital; and a committee was appointed to wait on the 
governor, and request the immediate removal of the troops. 



44 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

The governor refused to act, under pretence of want of 
authority ; but Colonel Dalrymple, alarmed at the state 
of thmgs, proposed to withdraw the 29th regiment, which 
was more culpable than any other. But he was informed 
that not a soldier should be left in town ; he was reluc- 
tantly compelled to comply, and, within four days, not a 
red-coat remained in Boston. 

This tragical affair produced the deepest impression on 
the minds of the people ; and the anniversary of the mas- 
sacre of the 5th of March, 1770, was commemorated for 
many years, and orations delivered, in which the blessings 
of civil liberty, the horrors of slavery, the dangers of 
standing armies, and the rights of the colonies, were set 
forth in glowing terms. These annual orations adminis- 
tered fuel to the fire of liberty, and kept it burning with 
an incessant flame, and in no small degree promoted the 
cause of the colonies. 

In the spring of 1773, the schooner Gaspee was stationed 
at Providence, to prevent smuggling ; and the conduct of 
the commander having exasperated the inhabitants, two 
hundred men entered on board the schooner at night, and 
compelled the captain and crew to go ashore, and then set 
fire to the vessel. The government offered a reAvard of 
five hundred pounds for the apprehension of any of the 
persons engaged in this outrage ; but such was the spirit 
and unanimity of the people, that this pecuniary induce- 
ment produced no effect, and the authors of the outrage 
could not be discovered. About this period, the letters of 
Governor Hutchinson and Mr. Oliver, to their friends in 
England, urging the government to adopt more decisive 
and vigorous measures to coerce the colonies into sub- 
mission, were discovered and sent back to America by 
Dr. Franklin. These, being published by the assembly 
of Massachusetts, greatly contributed to inflame the public 
mind and exasperate the people against these officers of 
the crown, who were justly charged with having shame- 
fully betrayed their trust, and the people, whose rights it 
was their duty vigilantly to guard. 

The British government now attempted a system of 



THE TEA-TAX. 1773. 45 

cajolery, by a show of moderation. Whilst the other 
duties were repealed, that on tea was retained, for the sole 
and avowed object of maintaining the power, which par- 
liament had asserted, of collecting a revenue in America. 
The ministerial scheme was cunning and artful, but did 
not, in the least degree, deceive the vigilance of the Amer- 
icans. The object was to cheat the colonies out of their 
rights, by collecting an indirect, imperceptible duty, little 
more than nominal in amount, which, however, if acqui- 
esced in, would have been an admission of the j^rinciple 
or right of Britain to raise a revenue in America. It was 
an attempt to obtain, covertly and by fraud, what they 
had attempted but failed to obtain openly hy force. 

In the first place, measures were adopted, openly and 
explicitly, for taxing the colonies, the duties to be paid 
directly by the consumer ; but, being unable to enforce 
this act, it was repealed, accompanied with a declaration 
of the right of parliament to tax the Americans, in all 
cases whatsoever. This naked assertion of a right, when 
the application of it had been attempted and abandoned, 
did not give the Americans much concern ; they would 
not have cared, if the British had kept that assertion of a 
right to do wrong on their statute-book as long as the two 
countries existed, provided they had not attempted to exer- 
cise their assumed right. 

The duty was more artfully disguised than a single im- 
post. It was, in fact, no additional burden on the con- 
sumers of tea, it being only a difierent ijiode of collecting 
the duty which had before been paid ; yet this alteration 
of the mode involved the right and power of parliament 
to establish a revenue system in America. According to 
the former regulations, the teas of the India Company 
were first brought to England, where a duty was paid 
before they were sent to the colonies. The scheme was 
merely to change the place and mode of collecting the 
duty ; it was to be paid in America, instead of England ; 
for which purpose, custom regulations v/ere established, 
and ofhcers appointed. A duty of three pence on a pound 
of tea would not be felt by the people, and this, or rather 



46 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

a greater duty, had been paid before, in England ; so that, 
instead of the burdens of the people being increased, they 
were rather lightened by this new regulation. So artfully 
disguised was this scheme. 

It is a maxim with many politicians, and too generally 
correct, that the people will not be alarmed or excited by 
any principle, however it may be fraught with danger; 
that they must feel and suffer, before their fears will 
arouse them into action. But this maxim did not hold 
true with the Americans; they saw the danger, and re- 
solved to resist, at the hazard of their lives, a iwinciple 
calculated to undermine the foundation of their liberty, 
although its operation at the time was not felt in the 
slightest degree. The resistance of the Americans to the 
scheme of collecting a duty on tea in America, instead of 
England, was the resistance of the principle which that 
scheme involved, solely, as no additional burden was 
thereby imposed on the people. It is not, however, to be 
supposed that the colonists would have been so alarmed, 
and aroused to such a spirit of resistance, by the new 
regulations as to tea, had it not been for the previous 
measures of the parent country, evincing, in the clearest 
manner, a settled design to exercise the power of taxation 
over them. They considered the new regulations as to 
tea as an artful and disguised revenue system, although it 
imposed no additional duty; and they were determined 
not to be cheated out of their liberties, as they had before 
resolved not to be frightened out of them. 

Measures were immediately adopted to prevent the 
introduction of the tea into the country, so as to avoid the 
payment of the duty ; and such was the strength and una- 
nimity of public opinion, that, without the aid of law, or 
rather in opposition to law, they were enabled to render 
their measures efficient, solely by the force of public senti- 
ment ; although measures, of all others, the most difficult to 
enforce, as interfering both with the interests and the estab- 
lished habits of the people. In most of the towns through- 
out the colonies, the people assembled, and resolved to dis- 
continue the use of tea, which was now regarded as an 



THE TEA-SHIPS AT BOSTON. — 1773. 47 

herb — however agreeable as a beverage — noxious to the 
political constitution. In the large commercial cities, reg- 
ulations were adopted to prevent the landing of tea ; com- 
mittees were appointed to inspect merchants' books, propose 
tests, and make use of other means to defeat the designs 
of Britain. Where it could be done, consignees of the teas 
were persuaded or compelled to resign, or to bind them- 
selves not to act in that capacity. 

The teas consumed in the colonies had been principally 
smuggled into the country by the Dutch and French, who 
were favored by the inhabitants in evading the revenue 
laws. During the four or live years that the new system 
had been in existence, very trifling quantities of teas had 
been introduced into the colonies : and instead of the re- 
strictive measures being relaxed, as was expected in Eng- 
land, they increased in vigor and eflicacy, and the quantity 
of tea introduced had constantly diminished. 

As had been the case Avith other matters of difference 
between the two countries, the principal struggle, growing 
out of the regulations as to tea, occurred at Boston. The 
other provinces had avoided the alternative which was 
reserved for this, of either suffering the teas to be disposed 
of, or to destroy them by violent means. Knowing the 
spirit of the inhabitants of Boston, the India Company had 
been more cautious as to the cargoes shipped for that 
port, than those sent to the other provinces ; and the zeal 
of Governor Hutchinson, and the other officers of the 
crown there, greatly surpassed that of the crown officers 
in the other colonies, and Avas calculated to frustrate the 
measures of the inhabitants. The tea-ships destined to 
Boston were all consigned to the sons, cousins, and persons 
who were the merest tools of Governor Hutchinson. When 
called on to resign, the only answer they would give was, 
" that it was not in their power." The tea-ships arrived 
at Boston in November, 1773. 

As the consignees could not be induced to resign, the 
next plan was, to compel the vessels to return without 
landing their detestable cargoes ; but the collector refused 
to give a clearance without the vessels were discharged 



48 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



of dutiable articles, and the governor refused to give a 
pass for the vessels until they were properly qualified 
from the custom-house; and to guard against the ves- 
sels being taken, possession of, and conducted out of the 
harbor, the governor ordered Admiral Montague, who 
commanded the naval force, to keep a vigilant look-out, 
and to suffer no vessel, coasters excepted, to pass the for- 
tress from the town, without a pass signed .by himself. 
The rigorous adherence to these measures, afforded great 
satisfaction to the governor and his minions, and all the 
British party; they flattered themselves that the "Sons of 
Liberty," after all their clamor, resolutions, and schemes 
to resist the tea system, were outmanaged, and that it 
would be impossible for them to prevent the landing and 
sale of the obnoxious cargoes. 

Their measures had been planned so wisely, and their 
execution was intrusted to agents of such known fidelity 
to the crown, and who were under the immediate influ- 
ence and control of the governor, that they thought there 
was not a loophole, whereby the rebellious Americans could 
escape paying the hateful tax. The governor, after all he 
had witnessed and experienced, judging rather from his 
feelings than his knowledge, was entirely ignorant of pub- 
lic sentiment, and of the spirit of the people; he had no 
idea that they had determined to resist the obnoxious 
measure, at every hazard, even that of life. Nothing short 
of this bold step could prevent the deep-laid scheme against 
the liberties of the country from succeeding. 

Both parties had taken their measures, and the British 
party were confident of success ; the contest was advanc- 
ing to a crisis ; alarm and dismay prevailed ; the deepest 
anxiety was depicted in every countenance. Had an inva- 
ding army been in the neighborhood, threatening to sack 
the town, or had the pestilence which walks in darkness 
ravaged its pavilions, greater gloom could not overspread 
the town, or stronger indications been exhibited of a pend- 
ing event, big with the fate of three millions of people. 

During this suspense, a report was started, which spread 
with the rapidity of lightning through the town, that Ad- 
miral Montague was about to seize the ships, and dispose 



TEA DESTROYED AT BOSTON. — 1773. 49 

of their cargoes, at public auction, within twenty-four 
hours ; which was beUeved to be a cunning device of 
Hutchinson, as this would as effectually have secured the 
duties, as if the teas had been sold at the stores of the con- 
signees. This rumor was like an electric shock. Leaving 
their employments, the people rushed into the streets, and, 
with amazed and terrified countenances, every one seemed to 
say. What shall we do to prevent the consummation, in so 
bold and daring a manner, of this iniquitous scheme 7 In a 
few moments, as from an instinctive impulse, a vast crowd 
repaired to the Old South church, in Boston, and organized 
themselves into a public meeting. Previously to taking any 
other step, a message was sent to the governor and the con- 
signees, who with difficulty could be found, as they were 
afraid to encounter even the looks of an indignant and in- 
jured people. No satisfactory answers were returned : but, 
instead of complying with their wishes, whilst the assem- 
bled multitude were quietly, notwithstanding the excite- 
ment which prevailed, consulting on their critical situation, 
and the measures proper to be adopted, the sheriff entered 
with an order from the governor, styling them an illegal 
and seditious assembly, and ordering them immediately 
to disperse. But he did not bring with him the posse comi- 
tatuSj as the power of the county was already assembled, 
and it was that which the sheriff was ordered to disperse. 
This mandate was treated with deserved contempt, and the 
sheriff hissed out of the house, mortified and chagrined ; 
and a confused murmur followed, not only in the house, 
but among the vast multitude from without ; but soon 
order was restored, and the meeting adjourned, without 
adopting any vote or resolution. The leaders probably 
supposed that such a meeting was not the place to discuss 
and devise measures to meet the crisis. 

In a few hours after the adjournment of the public meet- 
ing, the bold measure, on the success of which the great 
question of taxation hung suspended, was contrived, ma- 
tured, and ripened for execution ; and, in the evening of 
Dec. 16th, appeared in the streets a large number of per- 
sons, disguised as savages, armed with a tomahawk in one 
6 



50 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

hand, and a club over tlie shoulder ; who, in a silent and 
solemn manner, not a voice being heard, marched, in Indian 
file, through the streets, amidst a crowd of astonished spec- 
tators, the most of whom knew not what to think of so 
unexpected and strange an exhibition; and its novelty, 
and the surprise which it occasioned, may have prevented 
any steps being taken to oppose their design. 

They proceeded directly towards the wharves where the 
tea-ships lay; boarded them, and, without the least hesi- 
tation or delay, knocked open the tea-chests, three hundred 
and forty-two in number, and emptied the contents over- 
board. The deed was done with so much silence and 
expedition, that, although surrounded by the king's ships, 
no opposition was made or attempted. The "Indians," 
having effected their object, showed no marks of triumph ; 
no savage war-whoop was heard ; nor did they commit any 
other violence or disorder, but, in the same silent, solemn, 
and orderly manner, marched back through the town, fol- 
lowed by a vast crowd. No movements on the part of the 
British, or disturbance by the people, followed this event ; 
and it was observed at the time, that the stillest night suc- 
ceeded which Boston had enjoyed for several months. No 
persons assisted the savages in the destruction of the tea, 
except some boys or young men, who had assembled on 
the occasion, and voluntarily took a part in what was going 
on. One of these youths collected the tea which fell into 
his own shoes, and those of several of his companions, put 
it in a phial, and sealed it up, which is now in his posses- 
sion, containing the same obnoxious tea, which, in this 
instance, was considered as more dangerous to the political 
health and constitution of the people even than strong 
drink. The number of savages, manufactured for the 
occasion, has been variously estimated, from sixty to 
eighty. 

In the other colonies, the tea met witli an equally unwel- 
come reception; although none of them displayed such spirit 
and decision as the people of Boston. At New York, the 
tea was landed under the cannon of a man-of-war. But 
it met with no purchasers. In' other places it was thrown 



DESTRUCTION OF TEA AT BOSTON. — 1773. 



51 



into damp warehouses, where it was spoiled. Thus the 
scheme of the " tea-tax" was frustrated at the very outset, 
and the crafty manceuvres of the British cabinet resulted 
in nothing but disappointment and mortification to them- 
selves. 




CHAPTER III. 

American Revolution. — Indignation of the British government at the 
destruction of the tea — Boston port-bill — General Gage governor of 
Massachusetts — TJie Quebec bill — General congress at Philadelphia — 
Further encroachments of the British in Massachusetts — Gage fortifies 
Boston Neck — General court at Concord — Outrage in Boston — Occur- 
rences in Rhode Island and Neio Hampshire — Efforts of Lord Chatham 
and Dr. Franklin, in behalf of the colonies — Gage's expedition to Sa- 
lem — Exasperation of the people of Massachusetts — Battle of Lexington 
— 'Provincial congress in Massachusetts — Capture of Ticondcroga and 
Croivn Point — Movements of the British at Boston — Battle of Bunker 
Hill. 

The success of these bold and daring measures aston- 
ished Governor Hutchinson and the British party, and 
seemed to convince him that the "Sons of Liberty" were 
not quite so contemptible as he had represented them in 
his letters to the ministry ; and it even astonished the 
whigs in the other colonies, and contributed to fan the 
flames of liberty, and give them a deeper glow, and more 
intense heat. 

When the intelligence of the destruction of the tea at 
Boston reached England, accompanied with all the exag- 
geration and coloring Avhich Hutchinson could give to the 
story, it produced the utmost excitement and indignation 
with the ministerial party ; and even the opponents of the 
American revenue system could not justify so rash and 
desperate a measure. Parliament at once determined to 
crush the devoted place which was the seat and cause of 
this high-handed resistance to its supremacy. Its omnipo- 
tent power, and all the terrors of its wrath, were to be 
concentrated and directed against the rebellious town of 
Boston. Under the auspices of Lord North, who was now 



THE BOSTON PORT-BILL. 1774. 53 

prime minister, a bill was immediately introduced to "dis- 
continue the landing and discharging, landing and shipping 
of goods, wares, and merchandise, at the town of "Boston, 
or within the harbor." This bill, called the " Boston Port- 
Bill," passed on the 25th of March, 1774, and, when it was 
known at Boston, threw the inhabitants into the utmost 
consternation. A general meeting was called, and resolu- 
tions adopted, expressive, in strong terms, of their sense of 
the oppressive measure; and they requested all the colonies 
to unite in an engagement to discontinue all importations 
from Great Britain. This proceeding had immediate effect, 
and most of the colonies resolved to make common cause 
with Massachusetts, in her opposition to the unconstitu- 
tional measures of parliament. 

The 1st of June, when the Boston port-bill was to go 
into operation, was appointed, by the people of Massachu- 
setts, to be kept as a day of fasting and prayer. On that 
day, business ceased at Boston, at twelve o'clock, noon, 
and the harbor was shut against all vessels. The custom- 
house was removed to Salem. Sailors, merchants, laborers 
and artificers were immediately thrown out of employment. 
The immense property in stores, wharves and ships was 
rendered useless. The rents of houses ceased, for want of 
the means of payment. Provisions grew scarce, and all 
persons avIio depended on their daily labor were threatened 
with starvation or beggary. A calamity such as this might 
indeed have been expected to break the spirit of the Bos- 
tonians, and bow them to a speedy submission to ministerial 
rule. But, to the astonishment of the British cabinet, all 
these sufferings were endured with inflexible fortitude and 
resolution. No word of submission was uttered, and the 
inhabitants showed an invincible determination to endure 
the last extremities sooner than abandon their political 
rights. In this resolve they were animated by the sym- 
pathy and charities of their neighbors. Provisions were 
sent in from the towns in the vicinity ; and the people of 
Marblehead generously offered the merchants of Boston 
the use of their harbor, wharves and warehouses, with 
their personal assistance in unlading their goods, free of all 
5# 



54 AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 

expense. The flame of patriotism was kept alive by letters 
and addresses from town meetings and conventions in 
various parts of the country, and the spirit of resistance 
against British encroachments Avaxed stronger than ever. 

Meantime, General Gage, the commander-in-chief of the 
British forces in North America, had been appointed gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts, and arrived at Boston, with a 
reinforcement of troops, on the 13th of May, 1774, His 
first proceeding was to involve himself in an altercation 
with the legislative body, and his next to dissolve them. 
The committee of correspondence at Boston drew up a 
declaration, which they entitled a solemn league and cov- 
enant, wherein the subscribers bound themselves, in the 
most solemn manner, to suspend all commercial intercourse 
with Great Britain, from the last day of the ensuing month 
of August, until the Boston port-bill and other unpopular 
laws were repealed, and the colony of Massachusetts fully 
restored to all its rights. They also bound themselves 
not to consume or purchase any goods whatsoever which 
arrived after the specified time. 

The Boston port-bill was soon followed by another act 
of parliament "for the better regulating government in the 
province of Massachusetts Bay;" the object of which was 
to alter the charter, so as to make the judges and sheriffs 
dependent on the king, and removable at his pleasure. 
And this act was soon succeeded by another, which pro- 
vided, that any persons indicted for murder, or other cap- 
ital offence, committed in aiding the magistrates in enforcing 
the laws, might be sent by the governor either to any 
other colony or to Great Britain for his trial. The Quebec 
bill followed in rapid succession, enlarging the boimds of 
that province, and conferring many privileges on the Ro- 
man Catholics, The design of this was to secure the attach- 
ment of that province, and prevent its joining with the 
colonies in their measures of resistance. These measures, 
instead of intimidating the colonies into submission, only 
confirmed their fears of the settled designs of Great Britain 
to deprive them of their chartered rights, and reduce the 
colonies to the lowest state of political degradation and 



CONGRESS AT PHILADELPHIA. 1774. 56 

oppression. A sense of common danger led to an extensive 
correspondence between the colonial governments, which 
resulted in the opinion, that it was expedient to convene a 
general congress, to consist of deputies from all the col- 
onies. 

This congress met at Philadelphia, on the 5th of Septem- 
ber, 1774, and comprised among its members some of the 
most distinguished patriots, statesmen, and orators in this 
country, or perhaps in any other. Notwithstanding the 
ferment which prevailed in most of the colonies, their pro- 
ceedings were characterized by coolness, unanimity, and 
firmness. They published a long and solemn declaration 
of rights, as British subjects, and maintained, in the 
strongest terms, their exemption from taxation by parlia- 
ment ; besides which, they prepared a petition to the king, 
which was refused to be answered; an address to the 
people of Great Britain ; another to the people of America. 
These documents were drawn up with a masterly hand, 
and exhibited great dignity and ability, and were, in every 
respect, worthy of the men who had confided to them the 
liberties of their country and the destinies of three millions 
of their countrymen, threatened with slavery. The pro- 
ceedings of congress did not tend to allay public feeling ; 
and as the royal agents in Massachusetts seemed deter- 
mined to push matters to extremities, and reduce the people 
to unconditional submission, by arbitrary and forcible 
means, everything now threatened a civil war. A new 
council, and new judges in Massachusetts, were appointed 
by the crown ; and the latter attempted to enter upon the 
execution of their offices ; but the juries refused to be sworn 
under them ; the people in some counties assembled to pre- 
vent their proceedings. About this time, the famous 
" Tree of Liberty," in Boston, which had been pruned and 
ornamented with so much pride and care, was cut down 
by the British. 

General Gage, apprehending danger from a general 
muster of the militia, caused the magazines and ammuni- 
tion at Charlestown and Cambridge to be removed to 
Boston, and fortified the neck which joins Boston to the 



56 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



main land, at Roxbuiy. These measures occasioned a 
universal panic ; delegates from all the towns in the county 
of Suflfolk met, and spirited resolutions, and a remonstrance 
to the governor, were adopted. 

The general court had been summoned to meet at 
Salem ; but, from the turbulence of the times, the governor 
issued his proclamation, countermanding their meeting : 
yet, in defiance of the governor's mandate, ninety members 
met, resolved themselves into a provincial congress, chose 




John Hancock. 

John Hancock president, and adjourned to Concord, nine- 
teen miles from Boston. They fearlessly proceeded to 
business. After addressing the governor, and reiterating 
their grievances, in the face of British law and British 
troops, they proceeded to adopt the first measures which 
were taken, directly and avowedly, preparatory to an 
appeal to the sword, in defence of their rights and liberties. 
They regulated the militia, made provision for furnishing 
the people with arms, and for supplying the treasury ; and 
such was the enthusiasm of the people, that their recom- 
mendations had the force of law. Governor Gage was 



OUTRAGE IN BOSTON.- -1775: 67 

filled with rage at these daring proceedings, and issued a 
proclamation, in which he insinuated that they amounted 
to rebellion. 

Early in 1775, parliament passed the fishery bills, 
which prohibited the colonies from trading in fish with 
Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, and from 
taking fish on the banks of Newfoundland. These acts 
were intended to operate on the town of Boston, which 
had become the devoted object of ministerial wrath. The 
various statutes which Avere passed, occasioned deep and 
general distress in Boston and its vicinity ; but their breth- 
ren in the other colonies sympathized with them, and 
promptly supplied them with provisions of every descrip- 
tion for the relief of the sufferers. This policy of the 
British government was not only oppressive, but mean and 
contemptible. Partial legislation is always odious and 
tyrannical ; yet it consisted with the justice and dignity of 
the British nation ; and a series of acts were passed, and 
the power of the nation exerted, to crush the town of 
Boston, because it had shown a more determined spirit of 
resistance to their oppressive and unconstitutional measures 
than had appeared in other places. The ministry were 
not sensible that the colonies considered themselves all 
engaged in a common cause ; they were in hopes to humble 
and crush the rebellious inhabitants of that devoted town, 
which they thought would be such a terrific example as 
would frighten all the colonies into submission. But their 
designs recoiled on the heads of their authors ; for these 
oppressive measures towards the Bostonians only served to 
exasperate the people throughout all the colonies, who 
regarded them as cruel and detestable. 

In March, 1775, the public indignation was greatly 
excited by the following base and most shameful transac- 
tion : — 

The people from the country, whose business called them 
into Boston, were suspected by the officers of purchasing 
guns from their soldiers. In order to furnish an oppor- 
tunity to inflict punishment, and to raise occasion for a 
serious quarrel. Lieutenant Colonel Nesbit, of the forty- 



58 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



seventh regiment, ordered a soldier to offer a countryman 
an old rusty musket. A man from Billerica was caught 
by this bait, and purchased the gun for three dollars. The 
unfortunate man was immediately seized by Nesbit, and 
confined in the guard-house all night. Early next morning 
they stripped him entirely naked, covered him over with 
warm tar and then with feathers, placed him on a cart, 
and conducted him tlu'ough the streets as far as Liberty tree, 
where the people began to collect in vast numbers, and the 
military, fearing for their safety, dismissed the man, and 
retreated to their barracks. The party consisted of about 
thirty grenadiers with fixed bayonets, twenty drums and 
fifes playing the rogue's march, headed by the redoubtable 
Nesbit with a drawn sword ! This was done by a British 
field officer and grenadiers ! The selectmen of Billerica 
remonstrated with General Gage respecting this outrage, 
but obtained no satisfaction. 




Fniiislniu/it of n man from Billerica. 

The breach between Britain and the colonies had now 
become so wide, as, with the mass of the people, nearly to 
exclude all ideas of reconciliation ; and both parties began to 
make preparations for an appeal to the sword. No alter- 
native was left the Americans but slavery, or resistance by 
force. Measures were adopted for training the militia to the 



AFFAIRS IN RHODE ISLAND AND NEW HAMPSHIRE. — 1775. 69 

use of arms, to encourage the manufacture of gunpowder, 
and for collecting all kinds of military stores ; and com- 
mittees of public safety were appointed in all the towns in 
the province. 

From the natural advantages of its situation and the 
works thrown up on the neck, Boston had already become 
a strong-hold. It was also, at the pleasure of the governor, 
capable of being made a secure prison for the inhabitants, 
who would thereby, become hostages for the province at 
large. The Bostonians saw the danger, and several schemes 
were projected to avert it. One of the boldest of these was 
to burn the town and retire into the country ; but neither 
this daring enterprise, nor any other decisive proceeding, 
was ultimately determined on. At Rhode Island, the people 
seized and carried away all the ordnance belonging to the 
crown in that colony. The assembly of the province also 
passed resolutions for the procuring of arms and military 
stores, and for training and arming the inhabitants. The 
province of New Hampshire, which had hitherto shown a 
moderate temper, and had behaved with more respect to 
the British government than the other provinces of New 
England, as soon as they heard of the resolutions of Rhode 
Island, and received a copy of the royal proclamation, pur- 
sued the same plan. A body of men assembled in arms, 
and marched to the attack of Fort William and Mary, at 
Portsmouth, remarkable only for being the object of the first 
military operation in New Hampshire. This fort was taken 
December 13th, and supplied them with a quantity of pow- 
der. No other act of hostility or violence happened during 
the winter of 1774 ; but a firm determination of resistance 
was universally spread, and increased every day. The 
arrival of the king's speech and the addresses of the new 
parliament added to the flame that was already kindled. 

The king's speech, in the opinion of the colonists, cut off 
all hopes of reconciliation, and made them strain every 
nerve to provide against the storm they saw gathering 
against them. It is very remarkable that all the public 
acts and declarations, which, in England, were recom- 
mended as the means of pacifying the colonists, by iritimi- 



60 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

dating them, constantly operated in a different manner. 
The secretary of state for the American department issued 
a circular letter forbidding, in the king's name, the election 
of deputies for the ensuing general congress. In spite of 
this, the elections took place, unobstructed, throughout the 
country. 

The year 1775, an epoch forever memorable in American 
history, had now arrived. The British government showed 
no disposition to relax its coercive measures. The colo- 
nists exhibited no symptoms of a submissive spirit, and it 
was evident that a haslile collision must soon take place. 
What added to the infatuation of the liritish ministry was 
the belief, then prevalent in that country, that the Ameri- 
cans were cowards, and would never dare to oppose the 
British arms in case of extremities. This notion had been 
encouraged by the rhodomontade of many of the officers of 
the royal army who had served in America, and who had 
not the penetration to discover, under the homely manners 
of the American yeomanry, any signs of military spirit. 
Under this delusion, it was confidently believed, in Eng- 
land, that an army of five thousand men could march 
through the country from one end to the other. Matters 
were therefore carried, in the cabinet and parliament, with 
a high hand and an arrogant tone. At the close of the 
past year, the king had delivered an address to parliament, 
full of the most bitter denunciations against the colony of 
Massachusetts, and avowing a determination to suppress 
all attempts in favor of American liberty. The parliament 
concurred in these sentiments by a large majority. The 
more sagacious among the British statesmen, however, saw 
the storm coming, and made the most strenuous endeavors 
to check the rash and precipitate measures of the ministry. 
The venerable Earl of Chatham left his retirement, and 
again entered the house of lords, where his powerful elo- 
quence was exerted in an attempt to dissuade his country- 
men from the design of subduing the colonists by force of 
arms. He recommended conciliatory measures, and in 
particular the immediate removal of the troops from Boston. 
His remonstrances, however, had not the slightest effect. 



HOSTILITIES IN MASSACHUSETTS. 1775. 61 

Equally unavailing was the petition of congress to the king, 
which Dr. Franklin and others now laid before parliament, 
with a request to be heard in its support. The petition 
was rejected by a large majority. The lords and commons 
then passed an address to the king, declaring the people of 
Massachusetts rebels; and the next day a more decisive 
blow was struck by the ministers, in procuring the passage 
of an act restricting the trade of the New England colonies, 
and depriving them of the Newfoundland fishery. 

The Bostonians, in the mean time, in spite of their suf- 
fering condition, avoided every kind of outrage. Massa- 
chusetts had successfully engaged the other colonies to 
make common cause with her. .A new provincial congress 
met in February, 1775, and published a resolution, advis- 
ing the people to furnish themselves with arms, and make 
every preparation to resist the invading armies which were 
expected from Britain for the destruction of the colonies.' 
In all parts of Massachusetts the inhabitants obeyed these 
hints. Arms and powder were manufactured a.nd stored 
in various places, military bands organized, and the pro- 
ceedings in every quarter gave "dreadful note of prepara- 
tion." These things did not escape the notice of General 
Gage. On the 2Gth of February, having learnt that a 
quantity of military stores had been collected at Salem, he 
despatched one hundred and forty soldiers, in a transport 
from the castle, to seize them. They landed at Marble- 
head, and took up their march for Salem. Not finding the 
stores there, they proceeded to Danvers, but were stopped 
at a draw-bridge, where a body of thirty or forty militia 
were drawn up. After some parley and an attempt to 
pass, the troops returned to Boston, without effecting their 
object. 

But the flames of war could no longer be kept from 
bursting out. News arrived in Boston of the king's speech, 
of the resolutions adopted by parliament, and finally of the 
act by which the people of Massachusetts were declared 
rebels. The Avhole province flew to arms. General Gage 
was informed that the provincials had amassed large quan- 
tities of arms and ammunition in the towns of Worcester 
6 



62 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

and Concord. Excited by the loyalists, who had persuaded 
him that he would find no resistance ; considering the cow- 
ardice of the patriots, and perhaps not imagining that the 
sword would be drawn so soon, he resolved to send a few 
companies to Concord, to seize the military stores. It was 
said, also, that he had in view, in this expedition, to get 
possession of the persons of John Hancock and Samuel 
Adams, two of the most ardent patriot chiefs, and the prin- 
cipal directors of the provincial congress. But to avoid 
causing irritation and the popular tumults which might 
obstruct his design, he took his measures wiih caution and 
secrec}^ He ordered the grenadiers and several companies 
of light infantry to hold themselves in readiness to march 
out of the city at the first signal, pretending that it was in 
order to review and execute manoeuvres. The Bostonians 
entertained suspicions, and sent to warn Hancock and 
Adams to be upon their guard. Gage, to proceed with 
more secrecy, commanded a certain number of officers, 
who had been made acquainted with his designs, to go, as 
if on a party of pleasure, and dine at Cambridge, on the 
road to Concord. It was on the evening of the 18th of 
April that these officers dispersed themselves upon the 
roads, to intercept the couriers that might have been 
despatched to give notice of the movements of the- troops. 
Gage gave orders that no person should leave Boston; nev- 
ertheless, Doctor Warren, one of the most active patriots, 
had timely intimation of the scheme, and immediately 
despatched messengers, some of \vhom found the roads 
obstructed by the ofllcers, but others made their way in 
safety to Lexington, a town on the road to Concord. The 
news was soon divulged; the people flocked together; 
alarm bells were rung; and the firing of cannon spread 
the agitation throughout the neighborhood. In the midst 
of this tumult, at eleven in the evening, a strong detach- 
ment of grenadiers and light infantry was embarked at 
Boston, and landed at Phipps' farm, wlicnce they marched 
toward Concord. 

The troops were under the command of Lieutenant 
Colonel Smith and Major Pitcairn, who led the vanguard. 



BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 1775. 



63 



The militia of Lexington, as the intelligence of the move- 
ment of this detachment was uncertain, had separated in 
the night. But, at five in the morning of the 19th, advice 
was received of the approach of the royal troops. The 
people who happened to be near, assembled to the number 
of about seventy, — certainly too few to entertain the design 
of fighting. I'he English appeared, and Major Pitcairn 
cried, in a loud voice, "Disperse, you rebels! lay down 
your arms and disperse ! " The provincials did not obey ; 
upon which he sprung from the ranks, discharged a pistol, 
and, brandishing his sword, ordered his soldiers to fire. 
The provincials retreated. The English continuing their 
firo, the former faced about to return it. The British gave 
th'^^e cheers, and advanced towards Concord. The inhab- 




Battle of Lexington. 



itants assembled and appeared disposed to act upon the 
defensive; but, seeing the numbers of the enemy, they fell 
back and posted themselves on the bridge, north of the 
town, intending to wait for reinforcements from the neigh- 
boring places ; but the light infantry assailed them with 
fury, routed them, and occupied the bridge, whilst the others 
entered Concord, and proceeded to the execution of their 
orders. They spiked two pieces of twenty-four pound can- 



64 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

noiij destroyed their carriages and a number of wheels for 
the use of the artillery, threw into the river and into wells 
five hundred pounds of bullets, and wasted a quantity of 
flour deposited there by the provincials. Before the work 
of destruction was completed, however, the sound of distant 
alarm-bells, and the sight of bodies of men gathering upon 
the neighboring hill, admonished the British of approach- 
ing danger, and their commander, apprehensive lest his 
retreat should be cut ofl', gave orders for a retreat. 

But it was now broad day, and the whole neighborhood 
was roused. From every quarter, people came rushing 
toward Concord and Lexington, with such arms as they 
could hastily snatch. Before they had proceeded many rods 
on their march homeward, scattering shots, from behind 
walls and fences, apprized the British that the enemy were 
upon them. The light infantry, who scoured the country 
above Concord, were obliged to retreat, and on entering 
the town, a hot skirmish ensued. A great number were 
killed on both sides. The light infantry having joined the 
main body of the detachment, the English retreated pre- 
cipitately towards Lexington. Already the whole neigh- 
borhood had risen in arms. Before the detachment had 
reached Lexington, its rear guard and flanks suffered 
great annoyance from the provincials, who, posted behind 
trees, walls and fences, kept up a brisk fire, which the 
troops could not return. The English found themselves 
in a most perilous situation. General Gage, apprehensive 
of the event, had despatched in haste a reinforcement of 
sixteen companies, with some marines and two field-pieces. 
This body arrived very opportunely at Lexington, at the 
moment when the royal troops entered the town on the 
other side, pursued with fury by the provincial militia. It 
appears highly probable that, without this reinforcement, 
they would have been all cut to pieces or made prisoners ; 
their strength was exhaused, as well as their ammunition. 
After making a considerable halt at Lexington, they re- 
newed their march towards Boston, the number of the 
provincials increasing every moment, although the rear 
guard of the English was less molested, on account of the 



BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 1775. 



65 



two field-pieces, which repressed the impetuosity of the 
Americans. But the flanks of the cohmm remained ex- 
posed to a very destructive fire, which assailed them from 
every sheltered spot. The royalists were also annoyed 
by the heat, which was excessive, and by a violent wind, 
which blew a thick dust in their eyes. The American 
scouts, adding to their natural celerity a perfect knowledge 
of the country, came up unexpectedly through cross roads, 
and galled the English severely, taking aim especially at 
the officers, who, perceiving it, kept much on their guard. 
Finally, after a march of incredible fatigue, and a loss of 
two hundred and seventy-three men, the English, over- 
whelmed with lassitude, arrived at sunset in Charlestown. 










Hefreat from Lexington. 

The news of the battle of liexington spread like a con- 
flagration, and aroused the hardy sons of the country to a 
manful resistance. The agriculturist left his plough in 
the furrow, and the mechanic dropped his tools in the 
shop, and the great mass of the people repaired to Boston, 
with such arms as could be found. General Putnam, of 
Connecticut, was ploughing in his field, when the intelli- 
gence reached him. He immediately abandoned the 
plough, and, without stopping to change his clothes, set 
6* 



m 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



off for Boston. Within a few days a large army was 
collected, under the command of Generals Ward and Put- 
nam, and entrenched themselves on the heights around 
Boston. When the tidings of these events reached the 
south, the population were aroused to the contest with 
the same animated zeal which had been displayed at the 
north, and the alarm spread far and wide through the 
country. 




Putnam tuld oj the battlt of Lixi/igtvn. ' 

On the 28th of April, 1776, a provincial congress assem- 
bled in Massachusetts, and issued the following general 
circular : " We conjure you, by all that is dear, by al\ 
that is sacred, that you give all possible assistance in 
forming an army, in defence of the country. Our all is at 
stake. Death and destruction arc the certain consequences 
of delay. Every moment is infinitely precious ; an hour 
lost may deluge your country in blood, and entail per- 
petual slavery upon the few of your posterity that survive 
the carnage. We beg and entreat, as you will answer it 
to your country, to your consciences, and, above all, as 
you will answer it to your God, that you will hasten, by 
all possible means, the enlistment of men, to form an army, 
and send them forward to head quarters, at Cambridge, 
Avith that expedition which the vast importance and 
instant urgency of the affairs demand." This, as might be 



CAPTURE OF TICONDEROGA. 1775. 67 

expected, aroused the energies of the country, and inspired 
the people with the most heroic feehngs. The call was 
promptly obeyed, and the Sons of Liberty enlisted them- 
selves with the greatest alacrity for the defence of their 
rights. 

The responsibilities which now rested on the fathers of 
the revolution were great, and their services important. 
They had to embody and discipline new and inexperi- 
enced troops, bring order out of confusion, and to supply 
both arms and ammunition, being without funds, and 
almost without authority to raise them. Besides this, the 
army was to be supplied with provisions, in the face of a 
formidable, well-disciplined, and well-furnished enemy. 
But the zeal and ability of the officers were equal to the 
crisis. Of some it is even recorded, that, for a succession 
of days and nights, they were constantly at the head of 
their respective guards, without a change of raiment. 

At this critical epoch, Colonel Ethan Allen raised a body 
of Green Mountain Boys, on the New Hampshire grants, 
composing the state now called Vermont. With this force 
he undertook to surprise the garrisons of the English on 
lake Champlain. With two hundred and thirty men, he 
repaired to Castleton, where he met one hundred and 
seventy-two more, by concert with certain officers of the 
militia. In this plan. Dean, Wooster, and Parsons, with 
others in Connecticut, cooperated, and sentinels were 
posted on the difierent routes to Ticonderoga, to intercept 
intelligence of the intentions of the Americans. About this 
time, Colonel Benedict Arnold, who had arrived to assist in 
the enterprise, consented to act in concert with Colonel 
Allen, and no unnecessary delay prevented them from 
moving forward to the object which they determined to 
accomplish. Colonel Allen crossed the lake on the 10th 
of May, with a detachment of only eighty-three men, with 
which he attacked Fort Ticonderoga early in the morning. 
With this small number he rushed into the fort while the 
garrison was asleep. Captain Delaplace was ordered to 
surrender the garrison instantly, as he would save them 
from immediate destruction. The captain inquired by 



68 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



what aulhority; to whom Colonel Allen replied, "In the 
name of the Great Jehovah, and the Continental Congress." 
The fort was immediately surrendered, and the soldiers 
paraded without arms. The prisoners consisted of four 
officers, forty-four privates, with several women and 
children, who were sent into Connecticut for security. 
The fruits of his victory were — one hundred and twenty 
iron cannon, fifty swivels, more than three tons of balls, 
two ten-inch mortars, and a quantity of shells, flints, gun 
carriages, powder, flour, pork, &c., with two brass can- 
non, and many other valuables. With the remainder of 
the party. Colonel Seth Warner, a native of Connecticut, 
crossed the lake, and took the fortress of Crown Point by 
surprise, with more than one hundred pieces of cannon. 
Colonel Arnold, who had embarked on the lake in a small 
schooner, captured an English armed vessel, and returned 
to Ticonderoga with his prize. Thus was a free commu- 
nication with Canada secured by the command of the 
lake. 




Capture of Ticonderoga. 

While the tide of success thus waited on the American 
arms in the north. General Gage contemplated an attack 
upon the American troops at Roxbury, under the command 
of General Thomas. The number of troops at this place 



SIEGE OF BOSTON. 1775. 69 

amounted, in all, to but seven hundred militia, and they 
were nearly destitute of both arms and ammunition. 
What was wanting in force, however, was supplied by 
stratagem. The Americans were marched round a hill in 
full view of the enemy, and displayed to such advantage 
through the day, that the British general was completely 
hoaxed, and the attack was not made. Reinforcements 
soon arrived, and the place was saved. The success 
which attended the American arms in their frequent skir- 
mishes with the foraging parties of the British, among the 
small islands which abound in Massachusetts Bay, gave 
them confidence and courage to face the English forces 
with confidence and success in more important under- 
takings. 

On the 25 th of May, the three British generals, Howe, 
Olmton and Burgoyne, arrived at Boston. They were 
able and experienced, and to them was committed the 
task of putting down all opposition, and of bringing the 
revolted colonists to a state of absolute and unconditional 
submission, during the first campaign. Two days after 
this, the provincials, under Putnam and Warren, defeated 
a strong force of the enemy on the islands, and destroyed 
the vessel armed and stationed for their defence. The 
same success attended their arms on the 30th, and the 
British were greatly distressed by a removal of the cattle 
from the islands, and the communication with Boston was 
now closed. 

On the part of the continentals, the sufferings were 
severe. The small pox had been communicated from 
Boston, and raged in the army to an alarming degree. 
Money was exceedingly scarce, and the whole force, in- 
cluding officers and soldiers, did not exceed eight thou- 
sand. Under all their discouragements, and in their 
undisciplined state, nothing could keep them together but 
the most ardent zeal for the cause of their common coun- 
try. A prcKjlamation was issued by General Gage, on the 
12th of June, in the king's name, offering a general am- 
nesty, excluding only John Hancock and Samuel Adams. 
Those who should refuse these gracious offers, or corre- 



70 AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 

spond with, or aid and assist the refractory, were denounced 
as rebels, and threatened to be treated as such. Martial 
law was also declared in the province. 

The proclamation was very properly considered as a 
public declaration of war, and the precursor of hostile 
operations, and the enemy was watched with the utmost 
vigilance. Colonel Prescott, with a detachment of one 
thousand men, was ordered to fortify Bunker's Hill, in 
Charlestown ; but as the operation was in the night, he 
fortified a portion of it, called Breed's Hill, which was 
nearer to Boston, The boldness of this movement both 
perplexed and astonished General Gage, who saw that it 
jeopardized his own safety in Boston. He determined to 
dislodge them from this position without delay. The 
Americans were under command of Generals Warren and 
Putnam, and Colonel Prescott, of whose military skill the 
British had no very exalted opinion. The works on the 
hill were slight and incomplete, as the Americans had 
but a single night, and that the shortest in the year, to 
accomplish the labor. They consisted of a redoubt of 
earth on the brow of the eminence, and a breastwork 
down the slope consisting of o, rail fence faced with hay. 
The British commander despised this mock fortification 
no less than he did the courage of his opponents, and 
deemed it a mere pastime to drive the Americans from their 
post. 

About noon of the 17th of June, a body of three thousand 
men, the flower of the British army, under the command of 
General Howe, were embarked in boats and ferried across 
the water to the Charlestown side. To cover ilieir ap- 
proach, the town was set on fire by the British, and its 
great mass of wooden houses were immediately involved 
in a pyramid of flame. The British men-of-war and 
floating batteries opened a tremendous fire as the army 
formed in order of battle and advanced up the hill. The 
fire of the Americans was reserved until the English 
arrived to within seventy yards. A sudden and well- 
directed fire of musketry was then opened, which spread 
destruction in the ranks of the assailants, and kept them in 




'III ill 









i^ . 


4^ 


I'ilj 



I I f0 



72 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

check. The slaughter was dreadful, and the enemy fled 
in disorder. The chagrin and mortification of the officers 
was extreme, and the men were rallied to another charge. 
They were again repulsed, cut to pieces, and put to the 
rout. At this crisis General Clinton arrived from Boston 
with a reinforcement, and, the troops being once more 
rallied, renewed the charge, and the carnage became 
dreadful. The time was a critical one. The powder of 
the provincials was nearly expended, and the cartridge 
boxes of the dead were searched, that the fire might be 
continued, when their wings were outflanked by the 
enemy, and the lines were exposed to a raking fire 
from the British artillery. The cannonade increased from 
the British ships and batteries, and the exertions of the 
enemy were redoubled. The troops were pressed on by 
the swords and bayonets in the rear, and the points of 
British bayonets were met by clubbed muskets, until num- 
bers prevailed, and the Americans were compelled to retire. 
Nevertheless, the provincials maintained their position 
with the most obstinate bravery, defending themselves 
with the butt-ends of their muskets after their ammunition 
was expended. The redoubt was attacked on three sides 
at once, and at length carried at the point of the bayonet. 
General Warren received a shot in the breast, and fell 
dead on the spot. The provincials, overpowered by num- 
bers, abandoned the works, and retreated over Charlestown 
neck in safety, notwithstanding the shot of a man-of-war 
and two floating batteries, which completely commanded 
the isthmus. 

The assailants remained masters of the field, but their 
loss was vastly greater than the advantage gained. One 
thousand and fifty-four men, or more than one third of their 
number, were killed or wounded, making this one of the 
bloodiest battles in which the British troops had yet been 
engaged. Pitcairn, who commanded the Lexington expe- 
dition, was among the slain, and the slaughter of the 
officers was out of all proportion to that of the privates. 
On the other hand, the effects of the battle were equal to a 
victory to the provincials. Their loss amounted to one 



BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 1775. 



73 



hundred and thirty-nine killed, and two hundred and four- 
teen wounded and missing. Though driven from their 
position, yet the imexpected firmness, courage, and good con- 
duct their raw troops had exhibited, and the ter^'ible effect 
of their fire upon the enemy, raised a degree of confidence 
among them equal to that of a positive triumph. They 
encamped on an eminence immediately without the penin- 
sula of Charlestown, so that the British remained closely 
blockaded as before. The British troops, instructed by 
this severe lesson, no longer considered their antagonists 
as cowards. Passing from the extreme of contempt to 
that of respectful regard for the courage of their enemy, 
they made no farther endeavors to penetrate into the coun- 
try ; and the battle of Bunker Hill, as this action is now 
called, checked at once and forever the advance of the 
British arms in Massachusetts. 




Battle of Bunker Hill. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Washington appointed commander-in-chief — Siege of Boston — Perfidy 
of General Gage — Howe assumes the command — Siege of Boston — 
Burning of Falmouth — Confederation of the colonies — Sufferings of 
the inhabitants of Boston — Bombardment of the toivn — The Ameri- 
cans occupy Dorchester Heights — Evacuatioji of Boston by the British 
— Expedition of Sir Peter Parker against Sotith Carolina — Defeat of 
the British at Charleston — Declaration of Independence — British €xj)e- 
dition to New York — Battle of Long Island — Retreat of the Americans 
— Capture of New York — Disasters of the Americans — Conquest of the 
Jerseys. 

General Washington was appointed, by the congress at 
Philadelphia, commander-in-chief of the American armies, 
and immediately, on receiving his commission, he repaired 
to the seat of war at Boston. He fixed his head-quarters 
at Cambridge, three miles from Boston, and applied him- 




Hovse in Cambridge where Washington resided. 

self to the business of disciplining the troops, and pressing 
more closely the blockade of the town, which now began 



SIEGE OF BOSTON. 1775. 75 

to feel the effects of the war. The royal forces in Boston 
continued closely blocked up by land, and, being shut 
out from fresh provisions and vegetables, they began to 
feel great distress. The provincials watched the more 
carefully to keep out supplies, thinking the soldiers would 
suffer the hihabitants to depart, for fear of a famine; or, at 
least, that the women and children would be suffered to 
remove, which was repeatedly demanded. There is some 
reason to imagine that Gage considered the inhabitants as 
necessary hostages for the security of the town and the 
safety of the troops. To keep women, old men and chil- 
dren confined as pledges for their own safety, argued that 
they were unwilling to fight the provincials on fair terms. 
It had often been asserted in England that a few regular 
troops would march through all America ; but now, a 
general, with an army of the best troops in the service, was 
cooped up in a town, and durst not even stay in it without 
old men, women and children, to guard them ! General 
Gage, at length, entered into an agreement with the town's 
people, that, if they would deliver up their arms, they 
should have libert}/' to go where they pleased with their 
property. The arms were accordingly given up ; but, to 
their amazement and mortification, he refused to let them 
depart. Many, however, were suffered afterwards to quit 
the town at different times, but they were obliged to leave 
all their effects behind ; so that those who had hitherto 
lived in affluence, were at once reduced to poverty. 

General Gage returned to England, in October, 1775, 
and the command of the army at Boston fell to General 
Howe. This officer soon after issued a proclamation, by 
which those of the inhabitants who attempted to quit the 
town, without leave, were condemned to military execu- 
tion. By another proclamation, such as obtained permis- 
sion to leave the town, were, by severe penalties, excluded 
from carrying more than a small specified sum of money 
with them. He also required the forming of associations, 
by which the remaining inhabitants should offer their per- 
sons for the defence of the place. Such of them as he 
approved were to be armed, formed into companies, and 



76 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

instructed in military exercises ; the remainder being 
obliged to pay their quotas in money towards the common 
defence. 

The limited time for which the soldiers in the provincial 
army before Boston were enlisted, had nearly expired, and 
it was necessary that some measure should be taken for 
supplying their place. A committee of the general con- 
gress were sent to Boston to take the necessary measures. 
in conjunction with Washington, for keeping the army 
from disbanding. Of all the difficulties which the Ameri- 
cans encountered in their attempts towards establishing a 
military force, nothing was more important than the want 
of gunpowder; for though they used the utmost diligence 
in collecting nitre, and all the other materials for the man- 
ufacture, the results of their own industry and skill were 
small. They had not yet opened that commerce with for- 
eign states, which subsequently procured them a supply 
of military stores. The scarcity of gunpowder was so 
great, that it Avas said the troops at Bunker's Hill had not 
a single charge left after that short engagement ; and the 
deficiency in the army before Boston was at one time so 
great, that nothing but General Howe's ignorance of the 
circumstance could have saved the besiegers from being 
dispersed by a single attack. They left nothing undone 
to supply the defect, and, among other temporary expedi- 
ents, had contrived to purchase, without notice or suspi- 
cion, all the powder from the European settlements on the 
coast of Africa. 

Meantime, plundering, threatening and hostilities were 
constantly carried on along the American coast. The 
town of Falmouth, in the district of Maine, was doomed 
to share in these calamities. Some disorder relative to the 
loading of a lumber-ship, caused the British admiral to 
issue an order for the destruction of the town. 

On the morning of the ISth of October, a cannonade was 
begun, and continued with little intermission through the 
day. About three thousand shot, besides bombs and car- 
casses, were thrown into the town, and the sailors landed 
to complete the destruction, but were repulsed with the 



CONFEDERATION OF THE COLONIES. 1775. 77 

loss of a few men. The principal part of the town, which 
lay next the water, consisting of about one hundred and 
thirty dwelling-houses, two hundred aiid seventy-eight 
stores and warehouses, a large new church, and a hand- 
some court-house, with the public library, were reduced to 
ashes. The destruction of Falmouth provoked the Ameri- 
cans to the highest degree, and probably pushed on the 
congress of Massachusetts Bay to the daring measure of 
granting letters of marque and reprisal, and establishing 
courts of admiralty, for the trial and condemnation of Brit- 
ish ships. In this law, they declared an intention of de- 
fending the coasts and navigation of America, extending 
the power of capture only to such ships as should be em- 
ployed in bringing supplies to the armies employed against 
them. From this time, they did all that was in their 
power to seize such ships as brought supplies to the 
troops. 

During the course of the summer, 1775, articles of con- 
federation and perpetual union were entered into between 
the several colonies which were already associated, Avith 
liberty of admission to tliose of Quebec, St. Johns, Nova 
Scotia and the two Floridas and Bermudas. They con- 
tained rules of general government, in peace and war, both 
with respect to foreigners and each other. These articles 
were drawn up by the general congress, and by them 
transmitted to the different colonies, for the consideration 
of their respective assemblies. If the articles met their 
approbation, they were to empower their delegates to the 
ensuing congress to ratify and confirm them ; and from 
that time the union which they established was to con- 
tinue firm, until, besides a redress of grievances, reparation 
was made for the losses sustained by Boston, for the burn- 
ing of Charlestown, for the expenses of the war, and until 
the British were withdrawn from America. 

When the autumn approached, and appearances of plenty 
gave the colonists ground to conjecture what might be 
spared out of the abundance of a plentiful harvest, it was 
resolved by the congress, that if the late restraining laws 

were not repealed within six months, from the 20th of 

7# 



78 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

July, 1775, their ports from that time should be open to 
every state in Europe, which would admit and protect 
their commerce, " free of all duties, and for every kind of 
commodity, excepting only teas and the merchandise of 
Great Britain and her dependencies. 

By the delays and misfortunes which the transports and 
victuallers from England experienced, the forces in Boston 
were reduced to great distress. What added to the afflic- 
tions which they already suffered, was the mortification 
of seeing several vessels, which were laden with the neces- 
saries and comforts of life, captured by the provincials in 
the very entrance of the harbor, whilst the tide and wind 
disabled the ships of war from preventing it. The loss of 
most of the coal-ships was severely felt, as fuel could not 
be procured, and the climate rendered that article indispen- 
sable. The houses of Boston were pulled down for fuel. 
The inhabitants were in a most deplorable condition ; de- 
tained against their will, or cut off from all intercourse 
with their friends, exposed to all the consequences of that 
contempt and aversion with which a greater part of them 
were regarded by the soldiers, and at the same time in 
want of every necessary of life. The attempts made to 
procure provisions were not attended with great success. 

Meantime, the besieging forces at Boston waited for tlie 
hard frosts of mid-winter, in expectation of attacking the 
town by crossing over upon the ice. But the uncommon 
mildness of the season disappointed these hopes, and they 
were forced to remain quiet through the winter. The 
arrival of a copy of the king's speech, with an account of 
the fate of the petition from the continental congress, still 
farther excited the people. They burnt the king's speech 
publicly in the camp ; and on tliis occasion they changed 
their colors from a plain red ground, which they had hith- 
erto used, to a flag with thirteen stripes, as a symbol of the 
union and number of the colonies. 

During this state of affairs, the American cruisers grew 
daily more numerous and successful against the transports 
and store-ships. Among a niultitude of other prizes, they 
had the good fortime to capture one which gave a new 



DORCHESTER HEIGHTS FORTIFIED. — 1776. 79 

impulse to their military operations. This was an ord- 
nance ship from Woolwich, which had separated from her 
convoy, and being herself of no force, she was taken, with- 
out defence, by a small privateer, in Boston Bay. This 
vessel contained several pieces of fine brass carmon, a large 
quantity of small arms and ammunition, and a mortar, 
with all manner of tools, utensils and machines necessary 
for camps and artillery, in the greatest abundance. 

By this fortunate acquisition, the American troops became 
supplied with the very articles of which they had long 
stood in need. They delayed not a moment to avail them- 
selves of the advantage. On the 2d of March, 1776, a 
battery was opened at Lechmere Point, directly opposite 
Boston, from which a heavy bombardment and cannonade 
were directed against the town with great effect. Many 
buildings were demolished and set on fire, and the troops 
and inhabitants were constantly employed in extinguishing 
the flames. The British commander began to feel alarmed 
for the safety of his army ; but matters grew rapidly more 
threatening. Three days after, he saw, with inexpressible 
surprise, at the dawn of day, the ramparts of a new forti- 
fication, which had arisen during the night, on the heights 
of Dorchester, commanding the town and harbor on the 
south. The morning mist having magnified these works 
to a gigantic size, added much to the consternation and 
amazement of the British officers, who, in their accounts 
of the siege, affirm that this apparition recalled to their 
minds those tales of magic and enchantment with which 
eastern romances are filled. The situation of the king's 
troops was now very critical. Shot and shells vv^ere poured 
in upon them from the new works. Others were rapidly 
constructing on the neighboring hills, commanding the 
town and a considerable part of the harbor. In these cir- 
cumstances, no alternative remained but to abandon the 
town, or dislodge the enemy and destroy the new works. 
General Howe adopted the latter plan. Two tliousand 
men were embarked in transports, and fell down the harbor 
to the castle, with a design to land on the beach opposite, 
and carry the works on Dorchester heights by storm. 



80 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

Every preparation was made by the Americans for the 
defence. Hogsheads filled with stones, and chained to- 
gether, were planted on the brow of the hill, to be rolled 
down upon the ranks of the assailants. The British were 
aware of the desperate nature of their attempt. Murmurs 
of irresolution were heard, and exclamations that it would 
be " another Bunker Hill affair." In this dispirited con- 
dition of the troops, a furious storm, which happened dur- 
ing the night, supplied the British commander with a 
plausible excuse for deferring the attack. A council of 
war was held, and resulted in a determination to retreat 
from Boston. A fortnight was passed in preparations for 
departure, till, on the 17th of March, 1776, the besieged 
were quickened in their movements by a new battery 
erected by the Americans on Nook's Hill, at the northern 
point of the peninsula of Dorchester. Delay was no longer 
safe. By ten in the forenoon of that day, all the king's 
troops, together with such of the inhabitants as were at- 
tached to the royal cause, were embarked and under sail. 
As the rearguard went on board the ships, Washington 
marched into the town, where he was received in triumph 
by the people, with every demonstration of joy and grati- 
tude. {Several ships of war were left in the bay by the 
British, to protect the vessels which should arrive from 
England. In this they were not perfectly successful. The 
great extent of the bay, with its numerous creeks and 
islands, and the number of small ports that surround it, 
aflbrded such opportunities to the provincial armed boats 
and privateers, that they took a number of valuable trans- 
port ships, who were still in ignorance that the town had 
changed its masters. 

Washington was now in possession of the capital of 
Massachusetts, but being ignorant of the destination of the 
lleet, and apprehensive of an attempt upon New York, he 
detached several regiments for the protection of that city, 
on the very day on which he took possession of Boston. 
The royal army were not as yet in a situation which 
admitted of their undertaking any important expedition. 
They did not exceed nine thousand effective men, and 



EXPEDITION AGAINST CHARLESTON. — 1776. 



81 



were in some respects very ill-provided. This army, 
nevertheless, was three times more numerous than had 
been thought sufficient to conquer all America. Their 
repulse was a mortifying blow to the schemes of the min- 
istry, who had given out that the sight of a few grenadiers 
would frighten all the colonies into a compliance with their 
measures. Their invincible troops had been obliged to 
abandon Boston, before a newly-raised militia, who were 
styled cowards in England. 

The fleets, transports and victuallers, which had been 
sent from England, met with bad weather in their passage ; 
many delays and untoward circumstances befel them, 
which in a great degree frustrated their designs. A squad- 
ron, under Sir Peter Parker, destined for the invasion of 
South Carolina, sailed from Portsmouth, about the end of 
the year 1775, but, suffering great delays, did not reach 
Carolina till May, 1776. In the beginning of June, the 
fleet anchored off Charleston, and made preparations for 
attacking the place. Two of the ships mounted fifty guns, 
four were frigates of twenty-eight, to which were added 
four more ships of sma'ler force and a bomb-ketch. The 




Attack on Fort Moultrie. 



passage of the bar was a work of difficulty and danger, 
especially to the two large ships, which, though lightened 



82 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

of their guns, both struck on the bar several times. The 
land forces were commanded by Generals Clinton, Corn- 
wallis and Vaughan. 

The British troops landed on Long Island, which lies 
eastward of Sullivan's, being separated only by a creek, 
which was deemed passable at low water. The Caroli- 
nians had posted some forces, with a few pieces of cannon, 
near the northeast extremity of Sullivan's Island. Gene- 
ral Lee was encamped with a considerable body of forces 
upon the continent to the northward of the island, with 
which he had a communication by a bridge of boats. 
Long Island is a naked, burning sand, where the troops 
suftered much from their exposure to the heat of the sun. 
Both the fleet and the army were greatly distressed through 
the badness of the water ; that which is found upon the 
sea-coast of Carolina being very brackish. Nor were they 
in any better condition with respect to the quantity or 
quality of their provisions. Though the greatest despatch 
was necessary, on account of these inconveniences, yet 
such delays occurred in carrying the design into execution, 
that it was near the end of the month before the attack on 
Sullivan's Island took place. This leisure was improved 
by the provincials^ with great diligence, for completing 
their works. Everything being at length settled for the 
attack, the bomb-ketch, covered by an armed ship, took 
her station on the morning of the 2Stli of June, and began 
by throwing shells at Fort Moultrie, as the fleet advanced. 
About eleven o'clock, four other ships brought up directly 
against the fort, and began a most furious and incessant 
camionade. Three ships were ordered to the westward, 
to take their station between the island and Charleston, 
with a design to demolish the works of the fort, and, if 
possible, to interrupt the communication between the island 
and continent, and cut ofl" the retreat of the garrison. This 
part of the design miscarried by the unskilfulness of the 
pilot, who entangled the frigates in the shoals, where they 
all stuck fast; and tliough two of them were got oft', it was 
then too late to be of any service. One was burnt by the 
crew the next morning, to prevent her falling into the hands 



ATTACK ON FORT MOULTRIE. 1776. S3 

of the Americans. The ships suffered excessively from the 
fire of the batteries, and the slaughter on board was dreadful. 
Scarcely was ever British valor put to so severe a trial. 
The battle continued till the darkness of the night com- 
pelled the assailants to desist. Sir Peter Parker, after using 
every eifort, finding that all hopes of success were at an 
end, and the ebbing tide near spent, withdrew his shattered 
vessels, between nine and ten o'clock in the evening, after 
an engagement which had been supported for above ten 
hours with uncommon courage and resolution. One of his 
ships had one hundred "and eleven, and another seventy- 
nine, killed and wounded. The frigates did not suffer so 
severely, for the provincials pointed their fire principally 
at the ships of the line. 

This defeat was a most unexpected blow to the British. 
They had never imagined that this insignificant fort would 
have been able to withstand the heavy fire of their squad- 
ron for the space of an hour ; though, upon trial, it was 
found that, after ten hours' severe cannonade, it was as far 
from being reduced as at the beginning. The provincials 
showed, on this occasion, a degree of skill and intrepidity 
which would have done honor to veteran troops. Both 
oflicers and men performed their duty to the amazement of 
their enemies, and conducted their fire with such delibera- 
tion and design, that almost every shot did execution. 
Colonel Moultrie, who commanded in the fort, received 
great and deserved praise from his countrymen. 

Hitherto the colonists had maintained their struggle 
against the encroachments of the mother country, Avithout 
abandoning the hope that pacific councils and conciliatory 
measures might heal the breach between them. But as 
the British ministry continued to manifest the most hos- 
tile and arrogant spirit, and showed a fierce determination 
to reduce them by force of arms to unconditional sub- 
mission, their feelings became more and more alienated, 
and they began to despair of any amicable settlement of 
their difliculties. The news that sixteen thousand German 
mercenary troops had been hired to make war upon them, 
added still more to their resentment. Ere long they began 



84 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

to disown the authority of the king, and to declare, in 
speech and writing, that nothing remained for them but a 
complete and final separation from tlie British crown. 
The popular feeling soon found a correspondent expression 
in public bodies, and at length the continental congress, on 
the 4th of July, 1776, issued the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence ; thus dissolving the connection of the colonies with 
England, and claiming for them a rank among indepen- 
dent nations. This declaration was received everywhere 
throughout the country with the highest exultation, and 
the ennobling prospect of a separate national existence now 
animated the colonists with new courage and resolution to 
repel their invaders. 

Washington, meantime, confident that the British would 
never appear again at Boston, marched his army to New 
York, anticipating the next attack in that quarter. He 
was right in his conjecture. The forces that evacuated 
Boston proceeded first to Halifax, to await reinforcements 
from England. A grand scheme of conquest was now pro- 
jected by tiie British ministry. The execution of it was 
entrusted to Lord and Sir William Howe, two officers of 
good character and known abilities, in whom the nation 
reposed much confidence. A powerful army was appointed 
for this service. The whole force was supposed to amount 
to thirty-five thousand men. The British troops were sup- 
posed to be the best in the world, and their generals the most 
skilfnl. They were well provided with all sorts of provis- 
ions, Avar] ike stores and ammunition, and were also sup- 
ported by a numerous fleet. The general and admiral, 
beside their military power, were invested with authority 
as commissioners, by act of parliament, for restoring peace 
to the colonies, and for granting pardon to such as should 
deserve mercy. 

While Sir William Howe waited at Halifax for rein- 
forcements, he was pressed by the want of provisions. He 
at last, without waiting for his brother. Lord Howe, 
departed from Halifax, on the 10th of June, 1776, and 
arrived at Sandy Hook about the end of the month. On 
their passage, the fleet was joined by six transports with 



BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 1776. 85 

Highland troops, which had been separated from their 
companions in their voyage. Those that were missing, 
with about four hundred and fifty soldiers and several 
officers, were taken by the American cruisers, and carried 
into Boston. General Howe found the entrance of New 
York harbor strongly fortified. Long Island, on account 
of its extent, did not admit of its being so strongly guarded ; 
it was, however, in a tolerable state of defence, and had 
considerable encampments at the end of the island next to 
New York. Staten Island, being of less consequence, was 
neglected ; — this was certainly a great oversight in the pro- 
vincials. 

On the 10th of July, the British landed on Staten Island. 
Their troops were cantoned in the villages, where they 
received plenty of provisions. General Howe \vas here 
met by Governor Tyron, with several other loyalists, who 
had taken refuge on board a British ship at Sandy Hook. 
These persons gave him an account of the strength of the 
provincials. He was also joined by about sixty men from 
New .Jersey, who came to take up arms in the royal cause, 
and about two hundred militia of the island, who were 
embodied for the same purpose. This afi'orded a flattering 
prospect to the general, that when the army was landed 
and collected in force to support the loyalists, such num- 
bers would join him as would enable him to bring the war 
to a speedy conclusion. The American army at New York 
amounted to little more than seventeen thousand men, a 
part of which force was encamped at Brookl^ai, on Long 
Island. The combined forces of the British amounted to 
twenty-four thousand, Avhich were landed near the Nar- 
rows, nine miles from the city, on the 2d of August. On 
the 17th, the British forces, under Sir Henry Clinton, 
Percy, and Cornwallis. attacked the American camp on 
Long Island, which was defended by Brigadier-General 
Sullivan, who was defeated, with the loss of more than a 
thousand men, while the loss of the British was less than 
four hundred. Brigadier-Generals Lord Stirling and 
Woodhull fell into the hands of the English. General 
Washington perceived with anguish what would be the 
8 



86 ' AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

result of the battle, but he dare not draw oft' more troops 
from the city, as he would not even by that measure be 
able to cope with the British. On both sides, this battle 
was expected. On the 22d, the British eflected a landing 
at Utrecht, near the Narrows, inider cover of the ships, and 
every preparation Avas made to meet them manfully. 
Colonel Hand was ordered to the high ground, in order to 
protect the pass leading to Flatbush. Lord Cornwallis was 
ordered to secure this pass, if it could be done without an 
engagement. He halted at the village, finding that the 
pass was secured by tlie Americans. On this occasion, 
Washington issued the following orders : 

" The enemy have now landed upon Long Island. The 
hour is fast approaching in which the honor and success 
of this army, and the safety of our bleeding country, 
depend. Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are 
freemen, fighting for the blessing of liberty ; that slavery 
will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do 
not acquit yourselves like men. Remember how your 
courage has been despised and traduced by your cruel 
invaders, though they have found, by dear experience at 
Boston, Charlestown, and other places, what a few brave 
men can do in their own land, and in the best of causes, 
against hirelings and mercenaries. Be cool, be determined. 
Do not fire at a distance, but wait for orders from your 
officers." 

Preparations were now made for a pitched battle. The 
American camp was strengthened by six additional regi- 
ments, and all things put in readiness for an immediate 
attack. The direct road across the heights lay through 
the village of Flatbush, where the hills connnenced, and 
near which was an important pass. General Putnam had 
detached part of his army to occupy the hills, and defend 
the passes. It appears, however, that it was not the plan 
of the colonists to attempt any decisive battle till they had 
exercised their troops in skirmishes and taught them a little 
military knowledge. They knew that the British troops 
were highly disciplined, and longed for nothing more than 
an opportunity to put an end to the war by a single stroke. 



BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. — 177G. 87 

Their safety depended much upon speedy action. The 
colonists, on the other hand, were as yet raw troops ; a 
sudden attack and a signal overthrow would have dispir- 
ited them and frustrated all their hopes. When everything 
was prepared for forcing the hills, General Clinton, at the 
head of the van of the army, with fourteen field-pieces, 
began, on the evening of the 26th of August, his march 
from Flatland. Having passed through the part of the 
country called the New Lots, they reached the road that 
crosses the lulls from Bedford to Jamaica, where, wheeling 
to the left towards the former place, they seized a consid- 
erable pass, which the Americans had, through some 
unaccountable neglect, left unguarded. The main body, 
under Lord Percy, with ten field-pieces, followed at a 
moderate distance, and the way being thus successfully 
opened, the whole arm^^ passed the hills without opposition, 
and descended by the town of Bedford into the lower 
country, which lay between them and Putnam's lines. 
The engagement was begun early in the morning of the 
next day, by the Hessians, at Flatbush, and by General 
Grant, along the coast; and a warm cannonade, with a 
sharp fire of small arms, was eagerly supported on both 
sides for some hours. During this time, the king's troops 
gained no advantage, but were on the point of being 
repulsed, when the fleet made several manoeuvres on their 
left, and attacked a battery on Red Hook. This move- 
ment embarrassed the right wing of the colonists, which 
was engaged with General Grant, and called off their 
attention totally from the left and rear, where their greatest 
danger lay. Those who were engaged with the Hessians 
were the first that perceived their danger ; they accordingly 
retreated in large bodies and in good order, with a design 
to recover their camp. They were, however, attacked furi- 
ously by the king's troops, and driven back into the woods, 
where they were met by the Hessians, and alternately 
intercepted and chased by the dragoons and light infantry. 
In these critical circumstances, some of their regiments, 
though overpowered by numbers, forced their way to the 
lines; some kept the woods and escaped. Great numbers 



88 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

were killed, and the discomfiture of the Americans at this 
point was decisive. 

The riglit wing of the provincials, engaged with General 
Grant on the coast, were so late in knowing what was 
going on in other parts, that they were intercepted in their 
retreat by some of the British troops, who, in the morning, 
had not only turned the heights upon their left, hut had 
traversed the whole extent of country in their rear. Such 
of them as did not flee to the woods, which were the 
greatest number, were obliged to throw themselves into a 
marsh, where many were drowned, or suffocated in the 
mud. A considerable number, however, made their escape 
to the lines, though they were much diminished in their 
flight by the fire of the pursuers. The loss of the Ameri- 
cans on this occasion was very great. Nearly a whole 
regiment from Maryland, consisting altogether of young 
men of the best families, were totally cut off. 

In this situation there was no hope left but in a retreat, 
and even this was exceedingly difficult, under the watch- 
ful eye of an active enemy, with a powerful army, flushed 
with success, almost close to their works. This desperate 
task was, however, undertaken, and executed with great 
address by Washington. On the night of the 29th, the 
American troops were withdrawn from the camp, and, with 
their baggage, stores, and almost all their artillery, con- 
veyed to the water-side, embarked, and ferried over to 
New York, with such silence and order, that the British, 
though within six hundred yards, knew nothing of the 
movement. The dawn of day showed them the lines 
abandoned, the American rearguard in their boats and out 
of danger. Those who are acquainted with the usual 
noise and confusion attending the breaking up of a camp, 
and the march of so many thousand men, even in open 
day, must acknowledge that this retreat required an ex- 
traordinary address to conduct it, and deserves the name 
of a master-piece in the art of war. 

A fleet, consisting of upwards of three hundred sail, 
including transports, covered the waters of the bay, while 
the ships of war, hovering round the island, threatened 



CAPTURE OF NEW YORK. 1776. 89 

destruction to every part, and were continually engaged 
with the American batteries. Thus an almost constant 
cannonade was kept up for many days, and the troops, 
who had so lately escaped from imminent danger, had 
little time for repose. At length, the British having set- 
tled their plans for the attack of the city, the squadron 
made a movement in the North river, with a design to 
draw the attention of the provincials to that side of the 
island. Other parts were also threatened, to increase the 
uncertainty of the real point of attack. Covered by five 
ships of war upon their entrance into the river, they pro- 
ceeded to Kip's Bay, about three miles north of New York, 
where, being less expected than in other places, the pre- 
paration for defence was not so great. The works were, 
notwithstanding, tolerably strong and well-manned, but 
the fire from the ships was so sev.ere and well-directed, 
that the fortifications were deserted, and the army landed 
without opposition. The loss of New York was the im- 
mediate consequence. 

The provincials, harassed by the fire of the men-of-war, 
abandoned the city on the 15th of September, with their 
other posts on that part of the island, and retired to the 
. North End, where their principal strength lay. They 
were obliged to leave a great part of their artillery and 
military stores behind. They had some men killed and a 
few taken prisoners in the retreat. The king's troops 
suffered considerably, but this loss was concealed as much 
as possible. Many of the American regiments behaved 
badly on this occasion. Their late severe losses on Long 
Island appear to have had an unfavorable effect upon their 
conduct at this time. Part of the British army took pos- 
session of New York, and the rest encamped near the 
centre of the island, thus occupying it from shore to shore. 
Washington took post on the island at Kingsbridge, where 
he had a communication with the continent. He erected 
strong works on both sides of the passage. The nearest 
encampment of the British was on the heights of Haarlem, 
at the distance of about a mile and a half Between the 
two armies were the strong grounds called Morris' Heights. 
8* 



90 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

In this situation skirmishes frequently happened, and it 
was found that, by degrees, the apprehensions of the pro- 
vincials began to wear away. 

A few days after the capture of New York, a fire broke 
out, by which nearly a third part of the city was reduced 
to ashes ; and unless the exertions of the troops and the 
sailors of the fleet had preserved the remainder, not a 
house would have been left standing. Some persons, who 
"were thought to have been concerned in the cause of this 
calamity, were thrown into the flames by the soldiers, and 
burnt to death, though it could never be ascertained who 
were the real authors of the conflagration. 

General Howe, being reinforced by a division or two of 
Germans, marched towards the American army encamped 
at White Plains. On the 2Sth of October, a general skir- 
mish commenced between the advanced parties. On the 
29th, the general moved in columns to the support of his 
van, and to bring on a general engagement. General 
Washington kept him at bay until the 31st, when he re- 
tired to higher ground, and left a strong rearguard to cover 
White Plains. The British general now abandoned the 
enterprise, and on the 8th of November drew oft' his army 
towards Kingsbridge. On the 1.5th, he sent a summons to 
Colonel Magraw, commanding Fort Washington, and the 
next day stormed the fort, and made prisoners of the whole 
garrison. On the 18th, Lord Cornwallis moved to the 
attack of Fort Lee ; but General Greene drew off" the gar- 
rison, abandoned the fort, and joined Washington, who, 
on the 22d, crossed North river, and retired to Newark, 
where he found himself almost abandoned by the army, and 
left to the mercy of a victorious pursuing enemy, with only 
about three thousand five hundred men to accompany him 
in his flight. On the 28th, Washington retired to Bruns- 
wick, and Lord Cornwallis entered Newark with his 
victorious army. The British pursued to Brunswick, and 
Washington retired to Princeton, December 1st. Corn- 
wallis halted a week at Brunswick, agreeable to orders ; 
and, in the mean time, Washington saw himself abandoned 
by the Jersey and Maryland brigades of militia, whose 
terms of service then expired. 



CAMPAIGN IN THE JERSEYS. 1776. 



91 



On the 7th, CornwaUis advanced upon Princeton, and 
Washington retired to Trenton. The next day Corn- 
waUis entered Trenton, just at the critical moment that 
Washington, with his remnant of an army, had crossed 
the Delaware, and secured the boats to prevent his passing. 
General Howe had joined Lord CornwaUis at Newark, and 
now made a stand at Princeton, and issued the proclama- 
tion of the king's commissioners, profiering pardon and 
peace to all such as should submit in sixty days. 

Such were the distresses of the army and the country, 
when they saw their liberties about to expire under the 
pressure of an overwhelming foe, that men of the first 
distinction, in great numbers, in that part of the country, 
embraced the overture, and made their submission. 

To add to the distresses of this most trying scene. Gen- 
eral Lee, who had harassed the rear of the British army, 
with about three thousand men, was surprised in his quar- 
ters, on the 18th of December, and taken by the enemy. 
The Jerseys were thus completely overrun by the victori- 
ous armies of the British, and nothing but disaster waited 
upon the Americans, 




CHAPTER V. 

American Revolution. — Project for the invasion of Canada by the 
Americans — Extraordinary/ march of Arnold through the woods of 
Maine — Expedition of Montgomery against Canada — Capture of 
Montreal — Siege and attach of Quebec — Death of Montgomery — Per- 
severance of Arnold — Evacuation of Canada by the Americans — Des- 
perate condition of the American camp — Fortitude and resolution of 
Washington — Capture of the Hessians at Tre7iton — Affair of Prince- 
ton — Successful movements of Washington — The British expelled from 
the Jerseys. 

While the important events related in the preceding 
chapters were taking place, occurrences of almost equal 
nagnitude and importance were in progress in another 
)art of the continent. At an early period of the struggle, 
congress determined to strike a blow where the enemy- 
east expected it. A resolution was adopted to invade 
IJanada. This design was approved by Washington, and 
le projected a plan for this purpose as novel as it was 
)oId. He conjectured that there must exist a route, through 
he district of Maine and Lower Canada, to Quebec, through 
he wilderness and across the mountains, which, though 
niknown to the rest of the world, and frequented only by 
he mountaineers during summer, might serve to conduct 
m army from the shores of the Atlantic to those of the St. 
Lawrence. The greater part of this region was nothing 
3ut an immense forest, without a human inhabitant ; yet 
:he difficulty of obtaining provisions for an army in these 
iesert solitudes was entirely overlooked in the sanguine 
lopes of surprising Quebec. A force of eleven hundred 
nen was immediately organized at Cambridge, and placed 
imder the command of Colonel Arnold, an officer of great 
bravery, even to rashness, and of a firmness not to be 
shaken. Colonel Burr, afterwards vice-president of the 



Arnold's expedition to Quebec. — irrs. 



93 



United States, joined the expedition. On their arrival in 
Canada they were to unite themselves with the forces of 
General Montgomery, who was to invade the country by 
the way of the lakes. 




CoIoHtl Arnold. 



The expedition embarked at Newburyport, in transports, 
for the Kennebec, on the 13th of September, 1775. So 
rapid were the preparations for this enterprise, that, fourteen 
days from the time the scheme was determined on, the 
troops embarked at Gardmer, on the Kennebec, in two 
hundred batteaux, which had been built, equipped and 
provisioned in the interval. Arnold divided his men into 
three bodies. The first, composed of riflemen, under Cap- 
tain Morgan, formed the vanguard, to explore the country, 
sound the fords, prepare the ways, and look out for port- 
ages around the falls and rapids. Wherever the stream 
ceased to be navigable, it became necessary for the soldiers 
to carry upon their backs all the lading of the boats, and 
finally to drag the boats themselves by land. The second 
detachment kept a day's march in the rear of the first, and 
the third followed at the same uiterval. The perils and 
difficulties of the undertaking soon became apparent. The 
current was rapid ; the bed of the river was rocky ; the falls 
and rapids obstructed their progress almost at every step ; 



94 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

the water entered the boats and damaged their provisions 
and ammunition. The land journey presented difficulties 
no less formidable. Their route lay through thick forests 
and over rugged mountains. The men were compelled to 
wade through marshes and quagmires, and to climb steep 
precipices, encumbered with their arms and baggage. 
Their provisions began to fail them before they reached 
the head streams of the Kennebec. 

By the l(3th of October, they had advanced no farther 
than Dead river, where, finding no prospect of a supply 
of provisions, Arnold directed Colonel Enos, who com- 
manded one of the divisions, to send back all the sick and 
those who could not be furnished with food. Enos, taking 
advantage of this occasion, deserted with his whole divi- 
sion, and returned to the camp before Boston. The army 
were inflamed with indignation at the sight of the desert- 
ers, whose abandonment of their com!*ades might occasion 
the miscarriage of the whole enterprise. Enos was brought 
to trial before a court martial ; yet he was acquitted on the 
plea of extreme necessity, and the acknowledged inability 
of his men to procure sustenance in those wild and desert 
regions. Courage and perseverance were expected from 
the soldiers, but not impossibilities. 

Arnold pin-sued his march with the two other divisions. 
For thirty-two days he traversed these fearful solitudes, 
without seeing one human habitation or one human face. 
Marshes, mountains, woods and precipices were encoun- 
tered at every step, and seemed to cut off all prospect of 
success, or rather all hope of safety. Famine now stared 
them in the face ; they ate their dogs, their moosehide 
moccasins, the leather of their cartouch-boxes, and their 
shoes. The rj^ins fell in torrents sometimes for three days 
together. One night, after they had halted at a late hour, 
and were endeavoring to take a little repose, they were 
suddenly roused by a freshet, which came rushing upon 
them in a torrent, and hardly allowed them time to escape 
before the ground on which they had lain down was over- 
flowed. In a few days the rain was changed to snow, 
which fell two inches deep, and added the sufferings of 



Montgomery's expedition to quebec. — irrs. 95 

cold to those of hunger and fatigue. Ice formed on the 
surface of the water, in which the men were obhged to 
wade and drag the boats. The passage of Dead river 
was one of the most difficult in their whole progress. Sev- 
enteen falls obstructed their course up this stream ; and 
near the source they were forced to make their way 
through a chain of small lakes, filled up with logs and 
other impediments. Yet, menaced with starvation and 
harassed by incredible fatigues, they resolutely kept onward. 
The courage, fortitude, and perseverance exhibited in this 
extraordinary march, are unsurpassed in the history of 
military enterprise. 

At length, on the 27th of October, they found themselves 
on the summit of the highlands which separate the sources 
of the Kennebec from the streams that flow into the St. 
Lawrence. Every species of food, even shoes and leather 
breeches, had now disappeared. No house nor human 
being was yet in sight. Despair seemed to take possession 
of almost every heart; but Arnold, with a small party, 
made a forced march ahead, and, to their inexpressible joy, 
on the 30th of October, reached the habitations of some 
French Canadians, on the river Chaudiere. He was well 
received by the inhabitants, and, after recruiting his fam- 
ishing party, returned with a supply of provisions for his 
main body. Thus rescued from starvation, a general joy 
reanimated the troops, and they pushed forward with 
alacrity. On the 9th of November, they arrived at Point 
Levy, on the St. Lawrence, opposite Quebec, having ac- 
complished a march of several hundred miles through one 
of the most formidable wilds ever traversed by an invading 
army. 

. In the mean time, another body of New York and New 
England troops, to the amount of two thousand men, under 
Generals Schuyler and Montgomery, had been embodied 
for this campaign in another quarter. Batteaux and flat 
boats were built at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, to con- 
vey them through lake Champlain to the river Sorel, by 
which they were to enter Canada. Schuyler proceeded to 
Albany, to conclude a treaty with the Indians, which he 



96 - AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

had been negotiating for some time ; but being from illness 
unable to return, the whole conduct of the enterprise fell 
upon Montgomery. His first measure was to detach the 
Indians from the British service; and, being strengtliened 
by the arrival of reinforcements and artillery, he prepared 
to lay siege to the fort of St. John. This fort was garri- 
soned by nearly all the regular troops then in Canada, and 
was well provided with stores, ammunition and artillery. 
The parties of the provincials were spread over the adja- 
cent country, and were everywhere well received by the 
Canadians. While matters were in this situation, Ethan 
Allen, who seems to have acted rather as a volunteer than 
as a person obedient to any regular command, undertook 
to surprise Montreal. He set out upon this hazardous 
enterprise, at the head of a small party of provincials and 
Canadians, without the knowledge of the commander-in- 
chief. His attempt was unsuccessful. The Canadian 
militia, supported by a few regular troops, met the adven- 
turer at some distance from Montreal, defeated his troops, 
and took him prisoner, with forty others ; the rest of the 
party escaped into the woods. Allen and his fellow-pris- 
oners were, by the order of Sir Guy Carleton, governor of 
Canada, loaded with chains, and in that condition sent to 
England. 

Meantime, Montgomery pressed the siege of St. John's, 
but Carleton was indefatigable in his endeavors to raise 
forces for its relief Colonel M' Clean, with some Scotch 
and Canadians, to the number of one hundred, were posted 
near the junction of the Sorel with the St. Lawrence. 
Carleton used his utmost diligence to effect a junction with 
M'Clean, and then to march to the relief of St. John's; but 
his purpose was defeated by the activity of the provincials. 
He was attacked at Longueil, in attempting to cross the 
river from the island of Montreal, by a party of Ameri- 
cans, who easily repulsed the Canadians, and frustrated 
his whole plan. St. John's surrendered, and Montgomery 
immediately approached Montreal. A capitulation was 
proposed by the principal French and English inhabitants, 
including a sort of general treaty, which Montgomery 



MONTGOMEKY's expedition to QUEBEC. — 1775. 97 

refused, as they were in no state of defence to entitle them 
to a capitulation, and were on their side unable to fulfil 
the conditions. The Americans took possession of Mont- 
real upon the 13th of November, 1775. 

It was now the season of the year when troops usually 
go into winter quarters ; and, in such a climate as that of 
Canada, this step appeared more especially necessary. It 
seems a task beyond the ordinary powers of man, for 
troops to march in that season through a wild and unculti- 
vated country, covered with forests, thickets and deep 
snows. Yet the Americans, encouraged by their good 
fortune, pushed on to attempts altogether beyond their 
strength. Their success upon the lakes seduced them into 
the hopes of capturing the city of Quebec ; and they seem 
to have forgotten or despised the dangers and fatigues of 
an inclement season, in the prospect of finishing with glory 
so important an enterprise. The provincials had now the 
whole command of the lakes. General Prescott had been 
obliged to enter into a capitulation, by which the whole of 
the naval force, consisting of eleven armed vessels, was 
surrendered into their hands. 

When Arnold reached Point Levy, opposite Quebec, the 
inhabitants were in a wavering situation ; the English sub- 
jects were disaffected, and the French were not to be trusted 
witli the defence of the city. There were no troops in the 
place till M' Clean's newly-raised regiment of emigrants 
arrived from the Sorel. The river alone saved Quebec 
from an immediate capture, as the inhabitants had taken 
the precaution to secure all the boats in the stream. But 
after some days' delay the Americans procured a number 
of canoes and crossed the St. Lawrence, under cover of a 
dark night, notwithstanding the vigilance of the ships of 
war in the river. Tlie inliabitants now began to think of 
securing their property. The disaffected, both English and 
Canadians, finding the danger pressing, united for their 
common defence. Had the city been taken by surprise, it 
is highly probable that the malecontents would have joined 
the conquerors ; but as it was now doubtful whether the 
attack would succeed, they considered it the wisest course 
9 



98 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

to remain true to those who had the possession. The in- 
habitants were embodied and armed, and the sailors landed 
from the ships to man the batteries. The besieged were 
considerably superior in numbers to the besiegers, and 
Arnold had no artillery. It is probable that he depended 
upon the disaffection of the inhabitants, but being disap- 
pointed in this, nothing remained practicable but to guard 
the roads and cut off supplies from the city, till Montgom- 
ery should arrive. Arnold manoeuvred for some days upon 
the heights near Quebec, and sent two flags to summon the 
inhabitants to surrender, but they were fired at, and no 
message was admitted ; upon which he withdrew his 
troops into close quarters. 

During these proceedings, Montgomery had received 
large supplies for his army at Montreal, and was advanc- 
ing upon Quebec. Yet he found his progress beset with 
great difficulties. His army was composed wholly of raw 
soldiers, transported suddenly from the plough to the field, 
unused to discipline, and entirely deficient in military skill. 
He left some troops at Montreal and other posts, and sent 
detachments into different parts of the province, to encour- 
age the Canadians, and forward supplies of provisions. 
With the remainder he pushed on to join Arnold. His 
march lay over bad roads; the first snows of winter had 
fallen, and the weather was severe. The troops sufiered 
intense hardships, v/liicli they encountered with great reso- 
lution. 

Early in December, Montgomery effected a junction with 
Arnold, at Point aux Trembles, and proceeded to visit Que- 
bec. He wrote a letter to the governor, magnifying his 
own strength, commenting on the weakness of the garri- 
son, the impossibility of relief, and recommending an imme- 
diate surrender. The flag which carried this letter was 
fired upon, as well as every other which was sent; so that 
all communication was cut off between the besiegers and 
the inhabitants. It was a hopeless attempt in Montgomery 
to invest a fortified place with a number of troops not supe- 
rior to those who defended it. His only prospect of success 
seems to have depended upon the eflect which his warlike 



ATTACK ON QUEBEC. 1775. 99 

preparations and the violence of his attack might have 
produced upon the inhabitants, who, being hastily embod- 
ied, might be struck with panic ; or he might have hoped, 
in case his first attack should miscarry, to weary out the 
garrison with continual alarms. He accordingly com- 
menced a bombardment with five small mortars, which 
continued for some days ; but his metal was too light to 
produce any considerable effect against the formidable 
walls of Quebec. Meanwhile, the snow lay deep upon the 
ground, and such was the severity of the weather, that 
human strength seemed incapable of withstanding it in the 
open field. The New York troops felt these sufferings 
most keenly, and did not show so much steadiness and 
resolution as the hardy New Englanders, who had trav- 
ersed the wilderness with Arnold. These men exhibited 
amazing constancy and intrepidity. 

Montgomery found at last that some decisive blow must 
immediately be struck, and resolved to storm the place. 
On the 31st of December, under cover of a violent storm 
of snow, he disposed his little army into four divisions, of 
which two made false attacks against the upper town, 
Avhilst Montgomery and Arnold conducted the real assault 
at the other extremity of the place. By this means the 
alarm was excited in both towns, and might have discon- 
certed the most experienced troops. From the side of the 
river St. Lawrence, and round to the Basin, every part 
seemed equally threatened. Montgomery, at the head of 
the New York troops, advanced against the lower town, 
under Cape Diamond ; but, in consequence of some diffi- 
culties which had retarded his approach, the signal for 
engaging had been given, and the garrison alarmed before 
he could reach the spot. He, notwithstanding, pressed on 
in a narrow file, in a straitened path, having a precipice 
down to the river on one side, and a high rock hanging 
over him on the other. Having seized and passed the first 
barrier, accompanied by a few of his bravest men, he 
marched boldly to attack the second. This was much 
stronger than the first, and was defended by a battery of 
cannon loaded with grape-shot. The troops, however. 

Lore 



100 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



rushed with impetuosity to the attack. Montgomery v/as 
killed at the first assault. His aid-de-camp fell at his side, 
with most of the officers and soldiers near him. The 
attempt was at once foiled by this disaster, and the remain- 
der of the troops instantly retreated. 




Death of Montgomery. 

In the mean time, Arnold was not idle in his quarter. 
With an intrepidity that would have done honor to veteran 
troops, his division attacked that part of the town called 
the Saut, at Matelot, and having penetrated through St. 
Roques, they stormed a strong battery, which they carried 
after an hour's sharp engagement. Here Arnold was 
wounded, his leg being shattered by a bullet, and his men 
were obliged to carry him back to the camp ; but these 
troops did not retreat hastily upon the departure of the 
commander, like the New York detachment. Arnold's 
place was supplied by other officers, who, with no less 
intrepidity, continued the attack. They were as yet igno- 
rant of Montgomery's death, and were so far from being 
dejected by their own loss, that they pushed on with greater 
vigor, and made themselves masters of another battery. 



.J^v^- 



REPULSE OF THE AMERICANS AT QUEBEC. 1775. 101 

Had all the provincial troops on this occasion been equal 
to those of New England, notwithstanding the misfortunes 
they sustained by the loss of their general officers, they 
would doubtless have taken the city. 

On the retreat of Montgomery's division, the garrison had 
time to turn their whole attention to Arnold. The situa- 
tion of the assailants was now such that, in attempting a 
retreat, they were obliged to pass a considerable distance 
within fifty yards of the walls, exposed to the whole fire 
of the garrison. A strong detachment, with several field- 
pieces, issued through a gate which commanded that pas- 
sage, and attacked them furiously in the rear, while they 
were already engaged with the troops which poured upon 
them in every other quarter. In these desperate circum- 
stances, without a possibility of escape, attacked on all 
sides, and under every disadvantage of ground as well as 
numbers, they obstinately defended themselves for three 
liours, and at last surrendered. 

After the unsuccessful attack of Quebec, the besiegers 
immediately quitted their camp, and retired three miles 
from the city, where they strengthened their quarters as 
well as they were able, being apprehensive of an assault 
from the garrison; but the one army was as unfit for pur- 
suing, as the other was to sustain a severe attack. The 
governor wisely contented himself with the unexpected 
advantage he had obtained, without hazarding the fate of 
the province by a rash enterprise. Quebec was out of 
danger, and the supplies that were expected would not 
fail to relieve the whole province. Arnold, who Avas now 
commander-in-chief, saw the perils of his situation. The 
weather continued uncommonly severe, and the hope of 
assistance was distant. Notwithstanding, the provincials 
bore all with patience and resolution. 

Arnold, who had hitherto displayed uncommon abilities 
in his march into Canada, discovered on this occasion the 
vigor of a determined mind, and a genius full of resources. 
Wounded and defeated, he put his troops in such a condi- 
tion as to keep them still formidable ; and, instead of ap- 
pearing as one who had met with a repulse, he continued 
9# 



102 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

to threaten the city, by turning the siege into a blockade, 
and eftectually obstructed the arrival of supplies of provi- 
sions and necessaries for the town. He despatched an 
express to General Wooster, who was at Montreal, to bring 
succors and take upon him the command ; but this could 
not inniicdiatcly be done. It appears, from the whole of 
his operations, that Carleton considered it a dangerous 
expedient to attack Arnold in the field, though he had 
nearly double the number of his troops ; and that, had it 
been in the power of General Wooster to send a suitable 
reinforcement, the fate of Quebec would still have been 
doubtful. Had not Arnold been wounded, notwithstand- 
ing the death of Montgomery, it is not improbable that 
Uucbcc would have been taken that evening. 

The American forces, after having blockaded Quebec 
for five months, found it impossible to reduce the city. 
The British received reinforcements in the spring, which 
augmented the number of their troops to thirteen thousand 
men. The small-pox, together with the hardships of the 
season, had reduced the numbers of the Americans so low 
that it was found necessary to withdraw from Canada. 
They accordingly retreated from the province by the way 
of lake Champlain, and by the end of June, 1776, Canada 
was completely evacuated by the Alnerican armies. Thus 
nothing but defeats and calamities crowned the efforts of 
the Americans. 

The British, having thus expelled the continental forces 
from the Jerseys and Canada, flattered themselves that the 
contest was now at an end. They had the most plausible 
reasons for sucli a belief. Their enemies were routed, dis- 
persed, and obliged to save themselves by flight. The last 
feeble remnant of an American army had retreated across 
tlie Delaware, amid the storms of winter, tracking the 
frozen soil Mnth the blood from their naked feet. All hope 
for the cause of the revolution seemed utterly extravagant 
and chimerical. But nothing could subdue the soul or 
shake the firmness of Washington. The destinies of his 
country had been committed to his hands, and he resolved 
to fight as long as an arm was left him to lift the sword. 



CAPTURE OF THE HESSIANS AT TRENTON. 1776. 103 

"Sooner than submit,' exclaimed he, "we will be driven 
into the wilderness, — across the Mississippi, — across the 
whole continent of America, into the Pacific Ocean ! " 
With this brave resolution, he still made a stand on the 
western bank of the Delaware. The British did not pur- 
sue him beyond that river, and the American troops gained 
a breathing time. 

The overweening confidence of the enemy soon threw 
them ofl^ their guard, and they took no great precautions 
against a foe whom they imagined they had disabled 
forever. Washington, ever active and vigilant, discovered 
that General Howe had fallen into such security that he 
had extended the wings of his army from Trenton down 
the river to Burlington, for the purpose of lodging his 
troops more comfortably, thus offering a number of sepa- 
rate points of attack to the Americans. Knowing the 
weakness of Washington's forces, they kept a negligent 
guard, which did not fail to come to the knowledge of 
Washington, who instantly planned a scheme to fall upon 
them by surprise. A body of fifteen hundred British gren- 
adiers and Hessians Avas stationed at Trenton, on the Del- 
aware, under the command of Colonel Ralle. The night 
of Christmas was appointed by Washington for an attack 
upon this post. Boats were prepared at a convenient spot, 
and the troops, in three columns, marched in order and 
silence toward the Delaware. The officers exhorted the 
soldiers to be firm and valiant, and to wash out the stain 
of the defeats of Long Island, New York and the Jerseys. 
They represented to them that this night was to decide the 
cause of liberty and the fate of the country. The troops 
were animated with extreme ardor, and demanded to be 
led onward. 

In the dusk of the evening they reached the banks of 
the river, Washington hoped that the passage of the 
troops with their artillery might be efl^ected before mid- 
night, so as to enable them to reach Trenton by daybreak. 
But the cold was so intense, and the river so much ob- 
structed by floating ice, that it was four in the morning 
before the artillery could be landed. All the troops having 



104 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



crossed, preparations were made for the attack. The first 
corps was parted in two divisions, one of which, tnrning 
to the right, marched towards Trenton by the river road. 
The other, led by Washington in person, took the upper or 
Pennington road. The distance by the roads being equal, 
it Avas supposed the two cohmms might arrive simultane- 
ously. The troops used all their eflbrts to arrive before 
day, but a thick fog and a misty sleet, which made the 
road slippery, retarded their march. The two divisions 
reached Trenton at eight in the morning. So much vigi- 
lance and secrecy had been observed in making prepara- 
tions for this expedition, that, notwithstanding the lateness 
of the hour, the enemy had no knowledge or suspicion of 
tlie impending attack. 



^^ 




Washington crossing the Delairare. 

The first intimation the royal commander had of the 
approach of an enemy was in the attack of his outposts, 
which the Americans drove in at the first assault. Ralle 
despatched a regiment to their relief, to hold the assailants 
in check, and gain time for the rest of his forces to arrange 
themselves. But the defeated troops involved this body in 



CAPTURE OF THE HESSIANS AT TRENTON. 1776. 105 

disorder, and both fell back tiimultuously upon Trenton- 
He then drew out his whole body of Hessians, and advanced 
to meet the Americans in the open field. At the first onset, 
Ralle fell mortally wounded, and the Americans charging 
his line with great fury, the Hessians took to flight, leav- 
ing behind them six pieces of artillery. They attempted 
to escape by the Princeton road, but Washington ordered 
a strong force to cut off their retreat. The Hessians, sur- 
rounded on every side, were compelled to lay down their 
arms and surrender at discretion. Some few, chiefly cav- 
alry and light infantry, in all not exceeding five hundred 
men, effected their escape on the lower road to Bordentown. 
Another detachment of Hessians, who were out upon a 
foraging excursion at some distance from, the camp, learning 
the disaster of their countrymen, retreated precipitately to 
Princeton. 

By this brilliant and successful stroke, Washington cap- 
tured above a thousand prisoners, with the loss of only 
two men killed, and two or three others who perished by 
cold. The Hessians had thirty or forty killed. Washing- 
ton immediately re-crossed the Delaware with his prison- 
ers and the captured artillery. Strong bodies of the enemy 
were quartered in the neighborhood, and his own force 
were unable to cope with the numbers they might assem- 
ble in a few hours. The news of the success at Trenton 
was quickly propagated through the country, and had a 
powerful and instantaneous effect in reviving the spirits, 
courage and hopes of the people, which had before sunk to 
the lowest point of depression. Washington caused the 
prisoners to be marched, with a sort of triumphal pomp, 
through the streets of Philadelphia, followed by their arms 
and banners. The Hessians, being a people with whom 
the Americans were unacquainted, had been objects of 
great terror throughout the land, and the most extravagant 
and terrific stories were circulated of their courage and 
ferocity. The spectacle of a thousand of these formidable 
warriors led captive by the American militia, at once dis- 
pelled the illusion, and inspired the colonists with a new 
and exciting confidence. 



106 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

The British, on the other hand, were equally astounded 
at the sudden disaster which had fallen upon them. They 
imagined their enemy vanquished, dispirited, and every- 
where fleeing before them. They were unable to conceive 
how troops of such high renown had been compelled to lay 
down their arms before a body of raw militia, with wretched 
equipments and no discipline. Their whole army through- 
out the Jerseys was instantly in motion. Colonel Donop, 
who occupied Bordentown with a strong body of Hessians, 
immediately abandoned his post, and retreated precipitately 
to join General liCslie, at Princeton. General Grant, who, 
with the main body of the army, occupied New Bruns- 
wick, immediately advanced to the same place. Lord Corn- 
wallis, — who was at New York, on the point of embarking 
for England, in the belief that the war was finished, — 
returned with the utmost expedition to the army. The 
Americans, on all sides, ran to arms, and, in a few days, 
the forces of Washington were so much augmented by 
militia and volunteers, that he judged himself in a condi- 
tion to strike another blow at the enemy. Accordingly, he 
crossed the Delaware, and took post at Trenton. 

Cornwallis, with a strong British force, was then en- 
camped at Princeton. On the news of Washington's 
movement, he put his troops in motion on the 2d of Jan- 
uary, 1777, to meet his antagonist. The British advanced 
corps reached Trenton about four the next morning. Their 
rearguard was posted at Maidenhead, a village half-wa^'' 
between Trenton and Princeton. Other bodies were on 
their march from New Brunswick to join Cornwallis, and 
Washington, finding so strong a force close upon him, took 
a strong position behind Assumpink Creek, close to Tren- 
ton, having secured the bridge. The British came up and 
attempted to pass the stream at various points, but were 
repulsed by the Americans. A heavy cannonade was kept 
up till night, but Washington maintained his post. Corn- 
wallis waited for reinforcements, intending to advance to 
the assault the next day. Washington was now in a crit- 
ical position. The strength of the enemy rendered it highly 
perilous to meet him in full force. To recross the Dela- 



BATTLE OF PRINCETON. 1777. 107 

ware was a most hazardous movement, in the face of the 
British army and with the river more than ever obstructed 
by drift-ice. The imminent danger of the American army 
aroused the genius of Washington, and led him to a reso- 
lution which crowned the campaign with the most impor- 
tant success for the American arms. He resolved to 
abandon, at once, the banks of the Delaware, and carry 
the war into the heart of New Jersey. 

A council of war approved the plan, and dispositions 
were instantly made for carrying it into effect. The bag- 
gage was sent down the river to Burlington ; the weather, 
which had been for two days moist, warm and foggy, 
suddenly changed by a cold northwest wind, the ground 
froze hard and rendered the roads passable. At one o'clock 
in the morning of the 10th, the enemy's camp appearing 
perfectly quiet, the Americans kindled a long line of fires 
in front of their camp, to deceive the enemy into the belief 
that they were suffering from the sudden change of weath- 
er. Then, leaving guards at the bridge and fords, they 
marched off with great promptitude and silence. Taking, 
a circuitous route, in order to avoid the British post at 
Maidenhead, they directed their course upon Princeton, 
and, at break of day, fell suddenly upon the place. The 
British defended themselves so vigorously that the Ameri- 
can militia were repulsed, and General Mercer, in attempt- 
ing to rally them, was mortally wounded. Washington, 
seeing his vanguard put to the rout, and perfectly aware 
that the loss of the day would involve the ruin of his army, 
immediately advanced with a body of his best troops, and 
restored the fortune of the day. The British were every- 
where driven off the field. They lost one hundred men 
killed, and three hundred taken prisoners. After the bat- 
tle, the Americans took possession of Princeton. 

Nothing could surpass the astonishment of Cornwallis, 
when, at broad day the next morning, the American camp 
was discovered empty. The cannonade at Princeton had 
been heard at his quarters, but the British, not dreaming 
of an enemy in that direction, imagined it to be thunder, 
although it was then the depth of winter. Finding him- 



108 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

self oiit-generalled by this bold and masterly manoBUvre, 
and fearing for the safety of his magazines at Brunswick, 
he immediately decamped for that place. At Princeton, 
he again encountered the American army. Washington, 
whose policy it was to avoid a pitched battle with a force 
so superior, drew off his troops skilfully towards the moun- 
tains in the northern part of Jersey, breaking down the 
bridges in his rear. Cornwallis, after marching and counter- 
marching, found it impossible to gain any advantage over 
his enemy, and fell back upon Brunswick, where the alarm, 
occasioned by Washington's bold movements, had been so 
great, that the troops had begun to remove the baggage and 
stores. 

Washington, having recruited his little army, soon re- 
connnenced offensive operations, and scoured the whole 
country as far as Raritan river. He then crossed this 
stream, and, penetrating into the county of Essex, made 
himself master of Newark, Elizabeth town and Woodbridge; 
so that he commanded all the Jersey coast in front of Staten 
Island. He selected his positions with so much judgment, 
and fortified them with such a degree of skill, that the 
enemy were unable to drive him from a single post. Thus, 
in a few months, was the face of things entirely changed. 
The British army, after having victoriously overrun the 
whole of the Jerseys quite to the Delaware, and caused 
even Philadelphia to tremble for its own safety, found itself 
expelled from almost every part of the territory, and cooped 
up in the two posts of New Brunswick and Amboy. And 
this had been accomplished by an army reduced to ex- 
tremity, but which, under the guidance of a skilful and 
indefatigable leader, had obliged a victorious and powerful 
enemy to abandon all thoughts of offensive war, in order to 
protect himself. 

If the Americans were astonished at these unexpected 
exploits of their little army, the surprise and admiration 
on the other side of the Atlantic were no less striking. 
The nations of Europe saw, in the leader of the American 
army, a chief, whose military talents, courage and perse- 
verance placed him in a rank with the most celebrated 



SUCCESSES OF THE AMERICANS. — 1777. 



109 



commanders of antiquity. The name of Washington at 
once acquired a briUiant reputation ; it was in the mouths 
of all people, and was celebrated by the pens of the most 
eminent writers. Military men studied his campaigns, 
and pronounced him the American Fabius. 




Gijteial Putnam. 



10 



CHAPTER VI. 

American Revolution. — Labors of congress — Continental cvrrenaj — 
Ravages committed hj the British — Tryon^s expedition to Connecticut 
— Adventure of Putnam — Campaign in the Jerseys — Expedition of the 
British against Philadelphia — Battle of Brandywine — Capture of Phil- 
adelphia — Battle of Germantown — The army at Valley Forge — Anec- 
dote of Lydia. Darrah — Campaign in the north — Burgoyne's expe- 
dition — Capture of Ticondcroga — Siege of Fort Slanwix — Defeat of 
Herkimer — Stratagem of the Americans — Murder of Miss M' Crea — 
Burgoyne^s advance — Battle of Bennington — Gates commander of the 
northern army — Battle of Stillwater — Retreat of Burgoyne to Sara- 
toga — Surrender of Burgoyne. 

Congress, in the mean time, was occupied in the diificult 
task of giving harmony and united action to tlie movement 
and feehngs of the different communities which composed 
the American confederation. The governments of the thir- 
teen colonies remained distinct and independent, and the 
authority of congress rested only on a voluntary compliance 
on th^ part of the several colonial governments. It was 
the business of congress to apportion the quotas of troops 
to be raised in each colony, to solicit supplies, to settle 
plans of campaign, and to negotiate with foreign govern- 
ments. 

But, above all, it was important to raise funds. No army 
could be maintained without money, and a revolutionary 
government in the very outset of its career could not hope 
to obtain credit with the capitalists of Europe. Congress 
determined to try what could be done with the people on 
the strength of their own credit. A scheme was projected 
to emit bills in the name of the colonies, which should pass 
for money. Whether any individuals among those who 
devised or sanctioned this scheme, had any precise notion 
of the extent to which it was possible to be carried out, 




SIX VI D O^ ' li L. ARc',^ 




CO 

ta^ >>5 to o 



S^S sv3,^p 



^:2 









o a lA »z] s 

0) Wra ^em 




2. et, 




112 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

does not appear ; but it proved, in the end, to be the boldest 
and most gigantic scheme of finance that was ever con- 
ceived. On the 22d of Jmie, 1775, congress passed a resolve 
" that a sum not exceeding two miUions of Spanish milled 
dollars be emitted by the congress, in bills of credit, for the 
defence of America, and that the twelve confederated colo- 
nies be pledged for the redemption of the bills." This reso- 
lution passed unanimously ; the dangers of the country 
were too urgent to allow time to be wasted in minor scru- 
ples. The prospects of the "continental currency," as it 
was called, were very slender from the beginning. The 
country possessed no revenue or means of any sort for the 
redemption of the bills. Yet the patriotism of the people 
gave them a Avelcomc reception, and the paper dollars 
passed current. In the sequel, this led to the most remark- 
able consequences, which we shall describe in the proper 
place. 

During the year 1777, the enemy wantonly destroyed 
the New York water Avorks, an elegant public library at 
Trenton, and the grand orrery which was placed hi the 
college at Princeton. These acts, added to the shameful 
and horrible atrocities committed upon the females in New 
Jersey, called out the following speech of Governor Liv- 
ingston, to the general assembly of New Jersey. 

" They have plundered friends and foes; such as were 
capable of division, they have divided ; such as were 
not, they have destroyed; they have warred on decrepit 
old age and defenceless youth ; they have committed hos- 
tilities against professors of literature and the ministers 
of religion, against public records and private monuments. 
They have butchered the wounded, asking for quarters ; 
mangled the dead, weltering in their blood ; refused the 
dead the rites of sepulture ; suffered prisoners to perish for 
want of sustenance ; insulted the persons of females, disfig- 
ured private dwellings of taste and elegance, and profaned 
edifices dedicated to Almighty God." 

In April, 1777, General Howe detached Governor Tryon, 
with the command of a major-general of provincials, at the 
head of about two thousand men, to destroy the American 



ADVENTURE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 1777. 113 

stores at Danbury, in Connecticut. Tryon executed this 
commission, and destroyed one thousand eight hundred 
barrels of beef, two thousand bushels of wheat, eiglit hun- 
dred barrels of flour, one thousand seven hundred tents, one 
hundred hogsheads of rum, &C., with the lose of about a 
hundred men, killed, wounded, and taken, of the Ameri- 
cans. But this expedition cost the British a severe loss. 
Three generals were in the neighborhood, Wooster, Arnold, 
and Sullivan. About six hundred militia were collected 
in great haste, and followed in pursuit about two miles, 
during a heavy rain. The next morning the troops were 
divided. Wooster fell in the rear of the enemy, while 
Arnold was posted at Ridgefield, in their front. Wooster 
attacked the enemy, and was mortally wounded in the 
contest. The troops had to retreat. Arnold gave them a 
severe reception at Ridgefield, and was repulsed, but 
rencAved the attack during the next day. The yeomanry 
of the country through which they passed towards the 
sound, constantly annoyed them, and they made a precipi- 
tate retreat to their ships, which conveyed them to New 
York. They lost, in killed, wounded, and missing, about 
one hundred and seventy ; while the loss of the Americans 
did not exceed one hundred. General Wooster lingered 
until the 2d of May, and expired, in his seventieth year. A 
mormment was voted to his memory by congress, and a 
horse, splendidly caparisoned, was presented to Arnold, as 
a token of respect for his intrepidity and good conduct. 

During the above expedition, General Putnam, who had 
been stationed with a respectable force at Reading, and was 
then on a visit to his outpost, at Horse-Neck, was attacked 
by Tryon, with one thousand five hundred men. Putnam 
had only a picket of one hundred and fifty men, and two 
field-pieces, without horses or drag-ropes. He, however, 
placed his cannon on the high ground near the meeting- 
liouse, and continued to pour in upon the advancing foe, 
until the enemy's horse appeared upon a charge. The 
general now hastily ordered his men to retreat to a neigh- 
boring swamp, inaccessible to horse, while he himself put 
spurs to his steed, and plunged down the precipice at the 
10* 



tl4 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



church. This is so steep as to have artificial stairs, com- 
posed of nearly one hundred stone steps^ for the accommo- 
dation of worshippers ascending to the sanctuary. On the 
arrival of the dragoons at tiic brow of the hill, they paused, 
thinking it too dangerous to follow the steps of the adven- 
turous hero. Before any could go round the hill and 
descend, Putnam had escaped, uninjured by the many 
balls which were fired at him in his descent : but one 
touched him, and that only passed through his hat. He 
proceeded to Stamford, where, having strengthened his 
picket with some militia, he boldly faced about and pur- 
sued Governor Tryon on his return. 




Putnam's escapr-. 

Early in T777, Washington found himself at the head 
of a respectable army, amounting to above seven thousand 
men. The Briti-sh were much superior, but Washington, 
by judiciously selecting strong points of defence, contrived 
to frustrate every attempt of his enemy to penetrate again 
into the Jenseys. Sir William Howe took the field, at the 
head of a very strong force, and, l)y marching and counter- 
marching, Ihrough the montiis of June and July, made 
every possible mana^uvre to bring his antagonist to battle ; 
but Washington foiled ail his endeavors so successfully 
that Howe gave up his design, and determined to make an 



BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE. 1777. 115 

attempt upon Philadelphia by sailing up Delaware Bay. 
The British army was therefore embarked, and in the 
beginning of August arrived at the Capes of Delaware. 
Here, for some unlvnown cause, the British commander 
altered his plan, and the squadron put to sea again, sailed 
up the Chesapeake, and landed the troops in Maryland. 
AVashington immediately broke up his camp before New 
York, and advanced southward to meet the British. 

From the eastern shores of the Chesapeake, the British 
army moved towards Philadelphia on the 3d of September. 
Washington had crossed the Delaware, determined to risk 
a battle in defence of the city. His army consisted of 
about eight thousand effective men. On the 11th of Sep- 
tember, the two armies met at Brandywine Creek, near the 
Delaware. The British marched to the attack in two 
columns, led by General Knyphausen and Lord Corn- 
wallis. Another column attacked the right wing of the 
Americans. Washington, deceived by false intelligence, 
delayed to make the proper dispositions for repelling the 
assault of Cornwallis. The right flank of the Americans 
was turned, and the troops compelled to retreat. The 
result was a defeat of the Americans, with the loss of 
twelve hundred killed and wounded; among the latter 
were La Fayette and General Woodford. The loss of the 
British was not above half that of the Americans. After 
this victory the British continued to advance, and gained 
possession of all the roads leading to Philadelphia. Many 
partial actions took place, but it was found impossible to 
defend the city. .Sir William Howe entered Philadelphia 
in triumph on the 20th September, 1777. Congress retired 
to Lancaster, and afterwards to Yorktown. 

Just before this, the Marquis de lia Fayette, a young 
French nobleman, arrived in the United States, and tender- 
ed his services to congress, and he received a commission 
as brigadier-general in the service. He joined the army, and 
served at his own expense, and soon became the companion 
and the friend of Washington. His talents as a soldier 
were first displayed at Chad's Ford, where he received a 
wound in the leg, the effects of which he carried to his 



116 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

grave. The Count Pulaski, a Polish gentleman, also dis- 
tinguished himself in the American army, and was honored 
with the commission of major-general. 




La Fayette. 

Most of the British army was cantoned in Germantown. 
Washington, having received reinforcements, attacked this 
place on the 4th of October. He drove the British into the 
village, hut the latter took possession of a strong stone 
linuso. from which thoy could not be dislodged. The 
nioniing was foggy, and this embarrassed the movements 
of the Americans. Nearly one half their troops were 
obliged to remain inactive. After a severe conflict, the 
assailants found it necessary to retire. The retreat was 
performed in haste, and Lord Cornwallis, with the British 
liglit borse, pursued the Americans for some miles. The 
loss ol" tbe British was about five hundred; that of the 
Aiuericaus. one thousand. Soon after the battle, the British 
nMreated (Vom (»ermantown. 

Tli(» niipronch to Pbiladelphia from the sea was strongly 
guarded by forts on the Delaware, but the British were 
aware that without the command of the river the posses- 



THE ARMY AT VALLEY FORGE. — 1777. 117 

sion of the city would be of little value. Accordingly, 
early in October, a force of two thousand men, under 
Count Donop, attacked the fort at Red Bank, which was 
garrisoned by four hundred men, under Colonel Greene. 
The Americans defended the place with such bravery that 
they compelled the assailants to retire, with the loss of four 
hundred men, including their commander. The British 
also attacked Fort MifHin, with no better success, losing 
two ships, one of them of sixty-four guns, which was 
burnt. In spite of these repulses, the British renewed 
their attempts, and brought so strong a force to the attack, 
that it was found necessary to evacuate the forts on the 
Delaware in November. Some of the American armed 
vessels escaped up the river, but many of them were taken 
or burnt. 

Various military movements took place during the re- 
mainder of the -season, but none of them produced any 
decisive result. About the middle of December, Washing- 
ton's army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge, 
about sixteen miles from Philadelphia. Here they built 
huts in the midst of the woods, and passed the winter 
amid continual suffering and privation. Many of them 
were without blankets and almost destitute of clothes. 
Provisions, too, were scarce. Yet neither the sufferings 
of hunger nor cold could shake their constancy to the 
cause of their country. They submitted to all without 
murmurs or insubordination. 

When the British army held possession of Philadelphia, in 
1777, General Howe's head quarters were in Second street, 
the fourth door below Spruce, in a house before occupied 
by General Cadwallader. Directly opposite, resided Wil- 
liam and Lydia Darrah, members of the society of Friends. 
A superior officer of the British army, believed to be the 
adjutant-general, fixed upon one of their chambers, a back 
room, for private conference ; and two of them frequently 
met there, with fire and candles, in close consultation. 
About the 2d of December, the adjutant- general told Lydia 
that he would be in the room at 7 o'clock, and remain late ; 
and they wished the family to retire early to bed ; adding, 



118 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



that when they were going away they would call her to let 
them out and extmgnish their fire and candles. She ac- 
cordingly sent all the family to bed; but, as the officer had 
been so particular, her curiosity was excited. She took 
off* her shoes and put her ear to the key-hole of the con- 
clave, and overheard an order read for all the British troops 
to march out late in the evening of the fourth, and attack 
General Washington's army, then encamped at White 
Marsh. On hearing this, she returned to her chamber, and 
lay down. Soon after, the officer knocked at the door, but 
she rose only at the third summons, having feigued herself 
asleep. Her mind was so much agitated, tliat, from this 
moment, she could neither eat nor sleep, supposing it to be 
m her power to save the lives of thousands of her country- 
men, but not knowing how she was to convey the infor- 
mation to General Washington, not daring to confide in 
her husband. She quickly determined to make her way 
as soon as possible to the American outposts. She informed 
her family, that, as she was in want of flour, she would go 
to Frankford for some; her husband insisted that she 




Lijdia Darrah communicating the intendtd attack upon Washington's army. 



shoukl take the servant maid with her, but, to his surprise, 
she positively refused. She got across to General Howe, 



THE ARMY AT VALLEY FORGE, 1777. 119 

and solicited, what he readily granted, to pass through the 
British troops on the lines. Leaving her bag at the mill, 
she hastened toward the American lines, and encountered 
on her way an American lieutenant-colonel (Craige) of the 
light-horse, who, with some of his men, was on the look-out 
for information. He knew her, and inquired where she 
was going. She answered, in quest of her son, an officer 
in the American army, and prayed the colonel to alight 
and walk with her. He did so, ordering his troops to keep 
in sight. To him she disclosed her secret, after having 
obtained from him a solemn promise never to betray her 
individually, as her life might be at stake with the British. 

He conducted her to a house near at hand, directed 
something for her to eat, and hastened to head quarters, 
when he made General Washington acquainted with what 
he had heard. Washington made, of course, all prepara- 
tion for baffling the meditated surprise. Lydia returned 
home with her flour; sat up alone to watch the movements 
of the British troops ; heard their footsteps ; but when they 
returned in a few days after, did not dare to ask a question, 
though solicitous to learn the event. The next evening, 
the adjutant- general came in, and requested her to walk 
up to his room, as he wished to put some questions. She 
followed him in terror ; and when he locked the door and 
begged her, with an air of mystery, to be seated, she was 
sure that she was either suspected or had been betrayed. 
He inquired earnestly whether any of her family were up 
the last night he and the other officer met. She told him 
that they all retired at eight o'clock. He observed, "I 
know you were asleep, for I knocked at your chamber 
door three times before you heard me. I am at a loss to 
imagine who gave General Washington information of our 
intended attack, unless the walls of the house could speak. 
When we arrived near White Marsh, we found all their 
cannon mounted, and the troops prepared to receive us, 
and we have marched back like a parcel of fools." 

In the month of December, 1777, the troops at Valley 
Forge were employed in erecting log huts for winter quar- 
ters, when about one half of the men were destitute of 



120 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

shoes, stockings, and other necessary articles of clothing ; 
some thousands were without blankets, and were obliged 
to warm themselves by fires all night after the fatigues of 
the day. At one time nearly three thousand were unfit for 
duty, from the want of clothing, and it was not uncommon 
to trace their march, over ice and frozen ground, by the 
blood from their naked feet. They were often allowed only 
half allowance for several weeks in succession. It was with 
difliculty that men could be found in a condition fit for 
camp duty. Under these unexampled sufferings, the sol- 
diers exercised a degree of patience and fortitude, which 
has no equal, and reflects the highest honor on them. The 
army was not without consolation; the commander-in-chief 
manifested a fatherly concern for their sufferings, and made 
every exertion in his power to remedy the evil. Being 
authorized by congress, he reluctantly resorted to the 
unpopular expedient of taking provisions from the inhabi- 
tants by force, and thus procured a small supply for imme- 
diate necessity. This was the unhappy condition of the 
army, on whom Washington had to rely for the defence of 
everything held most dear by the Americans, and this too 
while situated within sixteen miles of a powerful adver- 
sary, with a greatly superior army of veterans, watching 
with a vigilant eye for an opportunity to effect its destruc- 
tion. 

But while the campaign of 1777 in the south resulted no 
way to the advantage of the Americans, events were 
taking place in the north of the most momentous character, 
and which led to the most brilliant success of the American 
arms. A new plan for invading the colonies was devised 
by the British cabinet, the design of which was to open a 
free communication between Canada and New York by 
marching a powerful army south from Quebec. The 
ministry were sanguine in their hopes that by this move- 
ment New England, which was regarded as the soul of the 
American confederacy, might be severed from the southern 
colonies and be compelled to submission. The design was 
a bold one, and would have been a master-stroke in the 
military art, had the projectors shown proper knowledge 



BURGOYNe's campaign. — 1777. 121 

and judgment in their estimation of the means for carrying 
it into success. But the leader whom they appointed to 
conduct the enterprise was General Burgoyne, an officer 
who had fought with great bravery in the wars in Europe, 
but was rash, presumptuous, conceited, and full of contempt 
for the military prowess of the Americans. He made no 
scruple of boasting, that, with an army often thousand men, 
he would march in triumph from one end of the continent 
to the other. Inspired by these vain boastings, the minis- 
try made extraordinary efforts to raise and equip the most 
formidable army that had ever been sent to America. A 
large body of German mercenaries was added to the troops 
enlisted in England. Generals Frazer, Philips and Rei- 
desel, officers of known talents and tried courage, were 
appointed to command them. Burgoyne, as lieutenant- 
general of the British forces in America, received ample 
powers for perfecting all the arrangements for the cam- 
paign. A strong body of savages were subsidized in Can- 
ada to assist the* British army with the horrors of the 
tomahawk and scalping-knife, and the whole army rendez- 
voused at Quebec, in May, 1777. Sir Guy Carleton, gov- 
ernor of Canada, although the military command of the 
province was taken out of his hands by the appointment 
of Burgoyne, yet made every exertion to promote the 
undertaking. 

Burgoyne now found himself at the head of an army of 
ten thousand men, most thoroughly armed, equipped and 
victualled, and furnished with the finest train of brass 
artillery ever before seen in a British army. It consisted 
of sixty or seventy pieces, sixteen of which were twenty- 
four pounders. His plan- was to proceed with the main 
body of the army, by the way of lake Champlain, to the 
river Hudson, while a detachment under St. Leger made a 
circuit by lake Ontario and penetrated to Albany by the 
route of the Mohawk. The army proceeded in boats up 
the St. Lawrence and Sorel, and on their arrival at lake 
Champlain were joined by the Indians. Burgoyne held a 
council with his savage allies. A war dance was performed; 
a profusion of strong liquor was dealt out to them, and the 
11 



122 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

general, in a long speech, aroused their animosity against 
the " Bostonians," as the men of the revolution were then 
called. He tliought proper also to indulge a little in the 
hypocritical language of humanity, — as if a lesson of 
humanity, addressed to a savage while marching to battle, 
were anything but a mockery. He cautioned the ferocious 
barbarians not to scalp the wounded, nor their prisoners ; 
but a bounty was to be given for every prisoner taken and 
brought in alive. 

In June, the army arrived at Crown Point, and on the 
19th, operations were commenced against Ticonderoga. 
General Gates had been succeeded in his command at the 
north by General Schuyler, who placed this fortress in 
good order for defence, and gave the command to General 
St. Clair. The fort was approached by the British, on 
the right wing of the American army, on the 2d of July, 
and possession taken of Mount Defiance. This lies con- 
tiguous to Ticonderoga, and overlooks the fortress. This 
mount had hitherto been deemed inaccessible, and had 
remained unoccupied. Cannon were hoisted by tackles, 
until the force was sufFicient to dislodge the garrison. To 
save the men, Ticonderoga was now abandoned, and the 
American land force retired to Hubbardton, and thence to 
Castleton, where a stand was made, about thirty miles 
from Ticonderoga. 

General Frazer, supported by General Reidesel, com- 
menced a pursuit in the morning, with the hght troops of 
the Britisli and Germans, and overtook the American rear- 
guard, under Colonel Warner, at Castleton, and commenced 
an attack on the 7th, which became sharp and bloody. 
The British were routed at first, with loss ; but finding that 
Colonel Warner Avas not supported by General St. Clair, 
they rallied to the combat, and, with the bayonet, charged 
and dispersed the American rear, with the loss of about 
three hundred men ; and Colonel Warner retired with the 
remainder of his troops to Fort Ann. 

Burgoyne, with the main body of the British army, 
sailed from Ticonderoga, in pursuit of the American fleet ; 
destroyed and dispersed the whole, and landed at Skenes- 



124 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

borough, now Whitehall. He there detached Lieutenant- 
Colonel Hill, with a strong party, to dislodge the Americans 
from Fort Ann. The garrison marched out on the morn- 
ing of the 6th, and commenced an attack upon the detach- 
ment, which was sharply supported by both parties for 
about two hours, with apparent success on the part of the 
Americans ; but a party of Indians appeared and joined 
Colonel Hill, and the Americans withdrew from the field, 
abandoned the fortress, and retired to Fort Edward, July 
12th. The whole force, at this time, at Fort Edward, did 
not exceed five thousand men. 

The operations of both armies were now commenced 
with vigor. In his retreat, the American general destroyed 
bridges, and obstructed the roads, to impede the pursuit of 
Burgoyne ; but all these difficulties were surmounted, and, 
on the 30th, the British force reached Fort Edward, which 
had been abandoned by Schuyler on the 27th. He retired 
to Saratoga, and, on the 1st of August, removed to Still- 
water, only twenty-five miles north of Albany. The 
nation saw, with deep regret, that this remnant of an army 
was compelled to flee before a victorious enemy, and that 
those important fortresses were abandoned. These events 
greatly depressed the spirits of our countrymen, while tli^ 
foe exulted in the triumph. 

On the 3d of August, Colonel St. Leger was detached by 
General Burgoyne against Fort Stanwix, on the Mohawk, 
as a diversion. To relieve the fort, the American general, 
Herkimer, advanced with eight hundred militia. Near the 
fort he fell into an Indian ambush, and was killed in a 
most severe action. The garrison sallied out, decided the 
sanguinary contest, drove off the Indians, and relieved the 
fortress. The colonel sent a summons to the fort to sur- 
render, but Colonel Gansevoort returned a prompt and 
spirited refusal. The siege of the fort was continued, and 
the garrison were too weak to relieve themselves. An 
object which cannot be accomplished by force is often 
obtained by stratagem. Major Butler, a noted officer 
among the Indians, and a man by the name of Cuyler, 
who was taken up as a spy, were prisoners in the Ameri- 




11* 



126 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

can camp. It was proposed that they should be employed 
as deceptive messengers to spread an alarm and induce 
the enemy to retreat. General Arnold soon after arrived, 
and approved of the plan. It was accordingly agreed that 
they should be liberated on condition that they should 
return to the enemy and make such exaggerated report 
of General Arnold's force, as to alarm and put them to 
flight. They were also promised that their estates should 
be returned to them if they succeeded. Matters being 
thus adjusted, and Cuyler's coat shot through in two 
or three places, he started directly for the Indian camp, 
where he was well known, and informed their war- 
riors that Major Butler was taken, and that himself 
narrowly escaped, several balls having passed through his 
coat, and that General Arnold, with a vast force, was ad- 
vancing rapidly towards them. The stratagem was suc- 
cessful ; the Indians determined to quit the siege ; nor was 
it m the power of St. Leger to prevent them. The conse- 
quence was, that St. Leger, finding himself deserted by 
his Indians, to the number of seven or eight hundred, 
deemed his situation so hazardous that he decamped in the 
greatest confusion, leaving his tents and most of his artil- 
lery and stores behind. In the evening, while on their 
retreat, St. Leger had a warm altercation with one of 
the officers about the ill-success of the expedition. Two 
sachems, observing this, resolved to have a laugh at their 
expense ; they directed a young warrior to loiter in the 
rear, and then, on a sudden, run as if alarmed, calling out. 
They arc coming — they are commg ! On hearing this, the 
two commanders rushed into a swamp near by, and the 
men threw away their packs and hurried off. This joke 
was repeated several times during the night. 

Burgoyne's savage allies not only proved an embarrass- 
ment to his movements, by their fickleness and inconstancy, 
but the horrid cruelties which they practised upon the 
defenceless inhabitants excited the utmost indignation 
throughout the country, and brought increased odium upon 
the British cause. A most aggravated case of this sort 
was that of Miss M'Crea, a young and beautiful American 



BURGOYNE's campaign. 1777. 



127 



girl, who was betrothed to a British officer. She fell into 
the hands of two of the savages, who disputed about the 
possession of her, and finished the altercation by dashing 
a tomahawk into her head. This tragical circumstance 
became the subject of a correspondence between Generals 
Gates and Burgoyne ; and the wide circulation of the 
story throughout the country inflamed the people to the 
utmost zeal against the nation who could employ these 
savage auxiliaries. 




Murder of Miss M' Crea. 



During these movements, General Washington detached 
General Lincoln to the northward, to take command of 
such eastern militia as might join the northern army. He 
arrived at Manchester on the 2d of August, where he took 
the command of six hundred militia, and, on the 6th, he 
was joined by General Stark, with eight hundred more. 
General Stark was a soldier of merit, and had deserved 
well of his country, by his distinguished services in the 
famous battle of Bunker's Hill ; but he had felt himself 
wounded by the neglect of congress, after the battle, and 
retired. He engaged at this time in the service of his 
country, upon the express condition that he should not be 
constrained to serve under a continental officer ; he accord- 
ingly resisted the pressing solicitations of General Schuy- 



128 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

ler, to join him in checking the progress of General Bur- 
goyne. 

Burgoync continued to advance, and, on the 30th of 
July, reached the Hudson at Fort Edward. On the 9th 
of August, he detached Colonel Baum, with five hundred 
Germans and one hundred Indians, to seize on the Ameri- 
can stores at Bennington, to enable him to pursue his 
march to Albany. General Stark was apprized of this 
movement, and sent expresses to collect the neighboring 
militia, and marched to meet the enemy on the 14th, sup- 
ported by Colonels Warner, Williams, and Brush. The 
advance parties of the two armies met, and commenced a 
skirmishing, that continued through the day. On the 15th, 
all operations were suspended by the excessive rains that 
fell; but, on the 16th, General Stark was joined by the 
Berkshire militia, under Colonel Symonds, and he detached 
iNichols to take post in the rear of the enemy on the left, and 
Colonel Hcndrick to take post in the rear of his right, to 
he supported by Colonels Hubbard and Stickley, still far- 
ther on the right. About three o'clock in the afternoon. 
General Stark commenced an attack upon the enemy, 
strongly intrenched, and supported by two field-pieces. 
The attack became general, and was valiantly supported 
on both sides : the Indians fled ; the Germans were over- 
powered, forced from their intrcnchments, and put to flight. 
The militia, flushed with the successes of the day, aban- 
doned the pursuit, and gave themselves up to plunder. At 
this eventful moment, Lieutenant-Colonel Breyman joined 
Colonel Baum with a reinforcement; they rallied to the 
charge, and renewed the combat. Colonel Warner led on 
his regiment of continentals, at this critical moment, and 
supported the action until the militia could recover their 
order, and advance to the charge. The action soon be- 
came general, and continued through the day. The Ger- 
mans again gave way, and secured their retreat under 
cover of the night, leaving their artillery, baggage, &c., 
with two hundred slain, and seven hundred prisoners, 
among whom was Colonel Baum. This was an important 
action, and proved ruinous to General Burgoyne. 



BATTLE OE BENNINGTON. — 1777. 129 

The following anecdote of the battle of Bennington 
deserves to be noticed for the honor of the person who was 
the subject of it, though his name has not been ascertained. 
A venerable old man had five sons in the field of battle 
near Bennington. Being told that he had been unfortunate 
in one of his sons, " What," says he, " has he deserted his 
post, or shrunk from the charge ?" Being told that he had 
been slain, but fell contending mightily in the cause, "Then 
I am satisfied," replied the good old man ; '• bring him and 
lay him before me." The corpse was brought in and laid 
before him. He then called for a bowl of water and a 
napkin, and with his own hands washed the gore and dirt 
from the wounds. 

The victory of Bennington had the most important 
effect. It immediately turned the tide of success, which 
till then had run almost constantly against the Americans. 
They now gathered fresh courage ; bodies of mihtia began 
to flock to the scene of action. General Gates was ap- 
pointed to the command of the northern army, and there 
was now a well-grounded hope of checking the progress of 
Burgoyne. On the rear of the British was an American 
force, under General Lincoln, and, on the IStli, General 
Brown destroyed the British stores at lake George, releas- 
ing a number of American prisoners. Successful opera- 
tions were also commenced against Ticonderoga and 
Skenesborough, now Whitehall. Burgoyne had crossed 
the Hudson, and finally took post at Stillwater, but three 
miles from General Gates. 

On the ISth of September, Gates detached about three 
thousand men to offer the enemy battle ; but he declined 
the combat. On the 19th, the scouting parties of the two 
armies commenced a skirmishing, that led to a general ac- 
tion, which continued through the day, and was supported 
with great zeal and intrepid bravery. Night closed the 
scene, and the two generals drew oft' their armies to pro- 
tect their camps, and waited with impatience the returning 
day. In this action, the American loss was about three 
hundred, and that of the English about five hundred. 

The American strength was now about seven thousand, 



130 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

not including about two thousand under General Lincoln, 
who were then at Bennington. The Indian allies of Great 
Britain were deserting the standard of General Burgoyne 
since the late contest, and four of the Six Nations favored 
the cause of America, and furnished one hundred and fifty- 
warriors. The troops under General Lincoln now added 
to the force under General Gates, and revived the spirits 
of the army. 

The two armies were within cannon shot, and had fre- 
quent skirmishes until the 7th of October, when the advanc- 
ing parties came in contact about three o'clock in the 
afternoon. The gallant Colonel Morgan, at the head of his 
famous rifle corps, and Major Dearborn, leading a detach- 
ment of infantry, commenced the action. In all parts 
of the field the conflict became extremely furious and 
obstinate, each disdaining to yield the palm of victory. 
Death appeared to have lost his terrors. The Americans 
continued to press forward with renewed strength and 
ardor, and compelled the whole British line, under Bur- 
goyne, to yield to their deadly fire, and retreat in disorder. 
The German troops remained firmly posted at their lines ; 
these were now boldly assaulted by General Learned and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Brooks, with such intrepidity, that 
their Avorks were carried, and their brave commander, 
Colonel Breyman, was slain. All the equipage of the 
brigade fell into the hands of the Americans. Nightfall 
put a stop to the action, though the victory was most deci- 
sive. Besides Colonel Breyman, General Frazer, the 
most valuable officer in the British service, and Sir Fran- 
cis Clark, aid-de-camp to General Burgoyne, were mortally 
wounded. Several other ofliccrs and about two hundred 
privates were made prisoners ; nine pieces of cannon 
and a considerable quantity of ammunition fell into the 
hands of the Americans, which were much wanted. The 
loss of the Americans did not exceed thirty killed and one 
hundred wounded, while one hundred of the enemy were 
killed, and left unburied on the field. 

On the 8th, General Gates detached a body of troops to 
get into the rear of the British army. Burgoyne took tho 










u^f^-" 



132 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

alarm, and immediately retreated to Saratoga, which he 
accomplished the next night, leaving his hospital, contain- 
ing three hundred sick and wounded, with medicinal stores 
and two hundred barrels of flour, behind. On their retreat, 
the British committed the most wanton devastations, burn- 
ing and destroying almost every house within their reach. 
Tlie elegant and valuable country-seat belonging to Gene- 
ral Schuyler, near Saratoga, did not escape their fury. 

In this critical situation. Sir Henry Clinton made an 
unsuccessful effort to relieve Burgoyne. He pushed up the 
Hudson river, captured Forts Montgomery and Clinton, 
which were bravely defended by General James Clinton 
and his brother, who, with a part of the garrison, made 
their escape. Sir Henry, with wanton cruelty, set fire to 
houses and buildings of every description, destroying, by 
conflagration, the church and every other building in the 
beautiful town of Esopus. 

After the capture of the two forts, Clinton despatched a 
messenger, 1)y the name of Daniel Taylor, to Burgoyne, 
with the intelligence. Fortunately, he was taken on the 
way as a spy. Finding himself in danger, he was seen to 
turn aside and take something from his pocket and swal- 
low it. The American commander ordered a severe dose 
of emetic tartar to be administered ; this produced the 
effect ; he discharged a small silver bullet, which, being 
unscrewed, was found to enclose a letter to BTU-goyne. 
'• Out of thine own mouth thou shall be condemned." 
The spy Avas tried, convicted and executed. 

General Burgoyne now perceived that all the passes in 
his rear were strongly guarded, and that further retreat 
was next to impossible. In this difficulty, he called a 
council on the 18th of October. While the council was 
deliberating, an eighteen pound shot crossed the table, and 
they resolved unanimously to propose terms with General 
Gates. The proposals of Gates were rejected, and General 
Burgoyne then sent in terms, on which the capitulation 
was f]j:ially made. The news of the capture in the High- 
lands is said to have arrived at this juncture, which led 
General Burgoyne to hesitate, in expectation of relief from 



SURRENDER OF BURGOYNE. 1777. 



133 



Sir Henry Clinton. General Gates, seizing the critical 
moment, drew up his army in battle array, and sent in a 
flag, demanding a reply in ten minutes. The responsi- 
bility was great, and Burgoyne felt it. The treaty was 
signed on the 17th of October, and returned in due time. 

The whole British army marched out of their lines, de- 
posited their arms, and became prisoners of war. The 
Americans marched in, under the tune of Yankee Doodle, 
and took quiet possession. General Gates ordered supplies 
to be issued to the British army, who were destitute, and 
the solemn scene was closed. The trophies which were 
gained by this great victory, were five thousand seven 
hundred and ninety-one prisoners, a train of brass artillery 
and other ordnance immensely valuable, consisting of 
forty-two pieces of brass cannon, besides seven thousand 
muskets, with seventy-two thousand cartridges and an 
ample supply of shot, shells, and clothing for seven thou- 
sand men, with a large number of tents and other military 
stores. 




12 



Surrender of Burgoyne. 



CHAPTER VII. " 

American Revolution. — Effects of the caj)ture of Burgoyne in Europe — 
Astonishment and mortification of the British — Opposition in parlia- 
ment — Ohstinaaj of the ministry — Treaty of alliance with France — 
War between France and England — Evacuation of Philadelphia by the 
British — Battle of Monmouth — Arrival of a French fleet in America — 
Campaign in lihode Island — Ravages of the British — Anecdotes of the 
ivar — Thomas Paine — Intrigues of the British — Massacre at Wyoming 
— Surprise and massacre of Colonel Baylor's regiment — Savage war- 
fare in Pennsylvania — Campaign in Georgia — Capture of Savannah 
by the British — Invasion of South Carolina — Peril of Charleston — 
Georgia overrun by the British — They retreat from Charleston — De- 
vastations of the British in Virginia. 

The capture of Burgoyne's army produced the most im- 
portant results on the other side of the Atlantic. The 
spectacle of a whole British army laying down their arms 
and surrendering prisoners of war, at once fixed the atten- 
tion of all Europe. The turn of affairs in favor of the 
American cause was prodigious. The previous disasters 
of the American arms had induced a belief in Europe, even 
among the friends of the colonists, that the cause of inde- 
pendence could not succeed. The rapid advance of Bur- 
goyne into the interior, the fall of the important fortress of 
Ticonderoga, and the boastful announcements of victory 
made by the British and circulated all over Europe, had 
produced a general impression that the colonists were at 
length completely subdued. In the midst of the exulta- 
tions in England, at these flattering prospects, came the 
unexpected and astounding intelligence that Burgoyne and 
his army had laid down their arms before a victorious 
American army. On the evening of the day on which the 
ministry received their private despatches containing the 
news, a rumor of their contents had got into the house of 



EFFECTS OF THE VICTORY AT SARATOGA. — 1777. 



135 



commons, just as the members had assembled. One of 
them arose, and with the most imperative earnestness of 
manner addressed the treasury benches, demanding what 
were the accounts from America. Being compelled to dis- 
close the mortifying fact, the chancellor of the exchequer 
arose, and, in a weak and faint voice, informed the house it 
was too true that General Burgoyne and his army were 
prisoners of war. 

At this announcement, a storm of indignation, sarcasm, 
reproach and invective was poured upon the king's min- 
isters by the speakers of the opposition, who overwhelmed 
them with the bitterest declamation on their imbecility, 
rashness and obstinacy. Edmund Burke, who had been 




Edmund Burke. 

from the beginning the friend and champion of the colo- 
nists, exhausted all the powers of his eloquence in attempt- 
ing to convince the ministry and their partisans of the 
madness of their attempt to reduce the Americans by force. 
But, in spite of all this tempest of argument and rhetoric, 
and the mortifying calamities which had fallen upon the 
arms of Britain, such was the infatuation of the court and 



136 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



ministry, that the hostile temper was kept up. The min- 
isters declared, "If ten thousand men cannot conquer Amer- 
ica, j^/Zy thotisand shall!'''' And with the help of a strong 
majority in parliament, more supplies were raised, new 
troops levied, and the war carried on. 

The most important among the immediate consequences 
of the capture of Burgoyne, was the treaty of alliance 
between America and France. 




Dr. Franklin, who, after having served the country as 
colonial agent in England, had returned to America in sea- 
son to sign the Declaration of Independence, sailed immedi- 
ately after on a mission to Paris. He was well received 
by the French, among whom he stood in high reputation 
for his brilliant discoveries in science. But, during the 
early part of his residence there, the affairs of the colonists 
were in so unpromising a condition that he was unable to 
accomplish anything in their favor by negotiation. Frank- 
lin was joined by Silas Deane and Arthur Lee, as associate 
commissioners in the negotiation : and at length, on the 
news of the important victory of Saratoga, the French 



ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE. — 1778. 



137 



ministry conceived so high an opinion of the spirit and 
determination of the Americans, that they resolved to 
espouse their cause. Accordingly, on the 6th of February, 
1778, a treaty of alliance between the French king and the 
thirteen American states was signed at Paris. By this 
treaty the king acknowledged the independence of the colo- 
nies, and agreed to assist them with a fleet and army, in 
case war should break out between France and England ; 
in the event of which, the contracting parties were to make 
common cause, and neither party was to lay down arms 
till the independence of the United States should be firmly 
secured. The news of this treaty exasperated the British 
ministry with the highest rage against the French. Their 
ambassador was immediately recalled from Paris, and war 
shortly afterwards broke out between the two kingdoms. 




Silas Deane. 

The British army, under Sir Henry Clinton, lay inactive 
at Philadelphia during the early part of 1778. But the 
intelligence of the French alliance, and the apprehension 
of seeing a French squadron on the coast, caused that gen- 
eral to conceive fears for his safety, and he decided to 
12* 



138 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

abandon Philadelphia. On the 18th of June, the royal 
army crossed the Delaware, on the road to New York. But 
Washington had foreseen this, and prepared the militia of 
New Jersey to give the British a troublesome march. He 
crossed the Delaware in pursuit, and the hostile armies met 
at Monmouth on the 28th, sixty-four miles from Philadel- 
phia. The contest was severe, and the weather so hot, 
that numbers of both armies perished from that cause, and 
the use of water when it could be obtained. Owing to the 
misconduct of General Lee, the Americans failed of achiev- 
ing a decided victory. They remained on the battle- 
ground, intending to renew the contest in the morning, but 
the enemy made good a retreat. The loss of the Americans 
was eight officers and sixty-one privates killed, and one 
hundred and sixty wounded. The British loss, in killed, 
wountled and missing, was three hundred and fifty-eight 
men, including officers. One hundred prisoners Avere taken, 
and the loss by desertion was one thousand. Sir Henry 
retired, by forced marches, to Sandy Hook, where he was 
taken on board the lleet, and embarked the army for New 
York. General Lee was censured by a court-martial for 
disobedience of orders on this occasion. It appears that he 
first declined a particular command, and then asked for it. 
Washington directed liim to commence the attack, "unless 
there should be powerful reasons to the contrary ;" and his 
disobedience " and doubtful movements" appear to have 
marred the expected success, and justified the event, in 
depriving him of his command. 

The French government, by the terms of the treaty, had 
now entered into the war. On the 8th of July, Count 
D'Estaing entered the capes of the Delaware, with the 
Toulon fleet, after a passage of eighty-seven days : Lord 
Howe had been gone only eleven days, and Sir Henry 
Clinton had evacuated Philadelphia only one month before, 
and was now embarking his army at Sandy Hook, for New 
York. The French fleet was about double the force of the 
English, both in the number of ships and weight of metal. 

D'Estaing landed Mr. Gerard, French minister to the 
United States, who was most cordially received by congress 



OPERATIONS OF THE FRENCH FLEET. 1778. 139 

at Philadelphia, and, on the 9th, set sail for Sandy Hook, 
where he arrived on the 11th, and blockaded the English 
squadron in the harbor. The count made all possible 
efforts to attack the English fleet in the harbor, but found 
it impracticable to cross the bar with his heavy ships, and, 
on the 22d, agreeably to advice from General Washington, 
he set sail for Newport, to cooperate in the destruction of 
the British fleet and army at Rhode Island. Admiral 
Byron's squadron arrived at Sandy Hook, a few days after 
the departure of the French fleet, in a very broken, sickly, 
dismasted, distressed situation. The provision ships from 
Cork arrived also, and entered the harbor of New York iii 
safety, to the inexpressible joy of the British army, who 
were in great want of supplies, 

D'Estaing arrived off Point Judith on the 29th of July; 
and such was the joy upon the occasion, that it diftused 
the fire and zeal of 1775 and 1776 throughout New Eng- 
land. Volunteers, by thousands, flocked to the standard 
of their country to join General Sullivan, and cooperate 
with their illustrious allies in the reduction of Rhode Island. 
Washington had detached La Fayette and General Greene, 
with two thousand men, to join the general enterprise. 
The American force was now about ten thousand strong. 
Sir Robert Pigot, who commanded at Newport, had been 
reinforced with five battalions, which rendered his force 
about six thousand strong. Thus balanced, the parties 
commenced their operations. D'Estaing entered the har- 
bor of Newport on the 18th of August, without opposition. 
General Pigot, the British commander, destroyed the 
English shipping, to prevent their falling into the hands of 
the French. On the 9th of August, at eight in the morning, 
Sullivan began to cross over Avith his army from Tiverton, 
the enemy having abandoned their works at the north end 
of the island. At two in the morning, Lord Howe appeared 
off Point Judith, with a fleet of twenty-five sail of the line, 
where he anchored for the night. On the 10th, D'Estaing, 
eager to meet the British fleet, took advantage of the wind, 
and put to sea. The two fleets manoeuvred through the 
day, without coming to action. On the 11th, a violent gale 



140 AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. 

sprang up, and continued through the 12th and 13th, 
which parted the fleets, dismasted the French admiral's 
ship, destroyed her rudder, and greatly damaged several 
others. On the 14th, the gale abated, and close and severe 
actions commenced between several single ships of the two 
fleets, but nothing decisive. The count, having collected 
six of his ships, covered his disabled fleet, and stood in for 
Newport, and came to anchor. Greene and La Fayette 
went on board the admiral's ship, and pressed him to 
enter the harbor of Newport, and complete the enterprise ; 
but the fleet was so shattered by the storm, and the oflicers 
were generally so averse, that the count concluded to sail 
for Boston. 

Meantime the troops under General Sullivan had gained 
the north end of the island, and marched down upon the 
enemy's lines, ready to cooperate with the French fleet, 
and commence the attack ; but their sufferings in the storm 
were so severe, that the troops were in a deplorable state. 
On the 15th, the American army had recovered from their 
fatigues, and were again prepared for action. In this situ- 
ation they continued, anxiously waiting the movements of 
the French fleet, to join in the general attack; but, to their 
grief and astonishment, they saw them weigh and stand 
ofl" for Boston, on the 24th. The mortification of General 
JSullivan was greater than the pride of an American soldier 
could sustain, and he expressed himself unguardedly, in 
his general orders, on the occasion. On the 28th, however, 
Count D'Estaing wroie to congress, from Boston, and 
explained his movements to their satisfaction.. 

Sullivan soon saw himself abandoned by most of the 
volunteers, which reduced his army to a standard below 
that of the enemy, and he hastened to secure his retreat. 

On the 2.5th, he sent otf his heavy cannon, and on the 
29th retired to the north end of the island. General Pigot 
pursued with his whole force, to intercept his retreat. The 
advance-guard of the enemy was soon engaged with the 
rearguard of the Americans, and a severe action ensued, 
that continued through the day. The next day, Sullivan 
learnt that Lord Howe was again at sea, and that the 



RAVAGES OF THE BRITISH. 1778. 141 

French fleet was not expected to return to Newport, and he 
hastened to evacuate the island. With the assistance, of 
Greene and La Fayette, he conducted his retreat in the 
presence of a superior foe, whose sentries Avere not more 
than four hundred yards distant from the American sentries; 
and, on the morning of the 1st of September, 1778, the 
retreat was accompHshed without the loss of a man, or any 
part of the artillery or baggage. The same day, Clinton 
arrived o(f Newport, on board of the fleet under Lord 
Howe, with four thousand troops, to cut off the American 
retreat; but, learning the departure of the French for Boston 
and the retreat of the Americans, he set sail for Boston, in 
pursuit of the French. On the morning of the 3d, he dis- 
covered the French fleet in the harbor of Boston, strongly 
posted, and returned to New York. On the 5th, Howe 
commenced an attack upon the American shipping in New 
Bedford harbor, and destroyed about seventy sail, besides 
small craft, stores, dwelling-houses, and vessels on the 
stocks, together Avith the magazine, to the amount of twenty 
thousand pounds sterling. He then attacked Martha's 
Vineyard, destroyed all the vessels, and carried off the arms 
of the militia, and public money, three hundred oxen, and 
ten thousand sheep, and returned to New York with his 
plunder. 

These and many other marauding excursions, in which 
the British soldiery abandoned themselves to every excess 
of wanton violence and brutality towards the defenceless 
inhabitants, only exasperated the people to a more deter- 
mined resistance against their invaders. Volumes might 
be filled with anecdotes illustrating the spirit and temper 
which prevailed at this period. The limits of our work 
will allow us to specify one or two incidents. 

In a former chapter we have related the story of a citizen 
of Billerica, in Massachusetts, who was tarred and feathered 
by the British grenadiers, in Boston, for purchasing a mus- 
ket. The man -who had been thus shamefully dealt with, 
obtained revenge in his own way. Keeping in his posses- 
sion the same old musket^ an opportunity was not long 
wanting for that purpose. His country flew to arms, to 



142 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



redress public grievances, and he to revenge his private 
ones. As soon as he heard that the British had marched to 
Concord, he seized the same musket, and flew to the scene 
of action. When the British were on the retreat, he selected 
a tree, with thick boughs, by the road-side, and, taking 
deliberate aim, every shot from the dear-bought musket 
took off one of the enemy. Aiming particularly at the 
officers, he soon brought down the commander of the tar- 
kettle. Half a dozen shots were fired into the tree ; two of 
the bullets passed through his hat, but did no other dam- 
age. He Avas also present at the battle of Bunker Hill, 
where he had an opportunity of using the old musket to 
still greater advantage ; reserving his fire, agreeably to the 
mode enjoined by Putnam, until he could see the enemy's 
eye, he brought down his man at every shot. He was the 
last to leave the ditch, and when his powder and ball were 
expended, he fought furiously with the butt of his musket, 
and as he daished in the skulls of two or three in quick 
succession, he exclaimed, "That's to pay for the tar and 
feathers." 




tnj of Sergeant JasjK 



Mr. Jasper, a sergeant in the revolutionary army, had a 
brother, who had joined the British, and who, likewise, held 



ADVENTURES OF SERGEANT JASPER. 1778. 143 

the rank of sergeant in their garrison at Ebenezer, in Geor- 
gia. No man could be truer to the American cause than 
Sergeant Jasper; yet he warmly loved his tory brother, 
and actually went to the British garrison to see him. His 
brother was exceedingly alarmed, lest he should be seized 
and hung as an American spy; for his name was well 
known to many of the British officers. "Do not trouble 
yourself," said Jasper; "I am no longer an American sol- 
dier." "Thank God for that. William," exclaimed his 
brother, heartily shaking him by the hand; "and now, 
only say the word, my boy, and here is a commission for 
3^ou, with regimentals and gold to boot, to fight for his 
majesty King George." 

Jasper sliook his head, and observed, that, though there 
was but little encouragement to fight for his country, he 
could not find it in his heart to fight against her. And 
there the conversation ended. After staying two or three 
days with his brother, inspecting and hearing all that he 
could, he took his leave, returned to the American camp, 
by a circuitous route, and told General Lincoln all that he 
had seen. Soon after, he made another trip to the English 
garrison, taking with him his particular friend, Sergeant 
Newton, who was a young man of great strength and 
courage. His brother received him with his usual cor- 
diality ; and he and his friend spent several days at the 
British fort, without giving the least alarm. On the morn- 
ing of the third day, his brother observed that he had 
bad news to tell him. " Ah ! what is it?" asked William. 
"Why," replied his brother, "here are ten or a dozen 
American prisoners, brought in this morning, as deserters, 
from Savannah, whither they are to be sent immediately ; 
and, from what I can learn, it will be apt to go hard with 
them, for it seems they have all taken the king's bounty." 

" Let us see them," said Jasper. So his brother took him 
and his friend Newton to see them. It was, indeed, a mel- 
ancholy sight to see the poor fellows, handcuffed upon the 
ground. But when the eye rested on a young woman, 
wife of one of the prisoners, with her child, a sweet little 
]joy of five years, all pity for the male prisoners was for^ 



144 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

gotten. Her humble garb showed that she was poor ; but 
her deep distress and sympathy with her unfortunate hus- 
band proved that she was rich in conjugal love, more pre- 
cious than all gold. She generally sat on the ground, 
opposite to her husband, with her little boy leaning on her 
lap, and her coal-black hair spreading in long, neglected 
tresses on her neck and bosom. Sometimes she would sit 
silent as a statue of grief, her eyes fixed upon the earth ; 
then she would start with a convulsive throb, and gaze on 
her husband's face with looks as piercing sad, as if she 
already saw him struggling in the halter, herself a widow, 
and her son an orphan ; while the child, distressed by his 
mother's anguish, added to the pathos of the scene by the 
artless tears of childish suifering. Though Jasper and 
Newton were undaunted in the field of battle, their feelings 
were subdued by such heart-stirring misery. As they 
walked out into the neighboring wood, the tears stood in 
the eyes of both. Jasper first broke silence. " Newton," 
said he, " my days have been but few ; but I believe their 
course is nearly finished." "Why so, Jasper?" "Why, 
I feel that I must rescue those poor prisoners, or die with 
them; otherwise, the remembrance of that poor woman 
and her child will haunt me to my grave." "That is 
exactly what I feel, too," replied Newton; "and here is 
my hand and heart to stand by you, my brave friend, to 
the last drop. Thank God, a man can die but once ; and 
why should we fear to leave this life in the way of our 
duty?" 

The friends embraced each other, and entered into the 
necessary arrangements for fulfilling their desperate reso- 
lution. Immediately after breakfast, the prisoners were 
sent on their way to Savannah, under the guard of a ser- 
geant and corporal, with eight men. They had not been 
gone long, before Jasper, accompanied by his friend New- 
ton, took leave of his brother, and set out on some pre- 
tended errand to the upper country. They had scarcely, 
however, got out of sight of Ebenezer, before they struck 
hito the woods, and pushed hard after the prisoners and 
their guard, whom they closely dogged for several miles, 



ADVENTURES OF SERGEANT JASPER. 1778. 145 

anxiously watching an opportunity to make a blow. The 
hope, indeed, seemed extravagant; for what could tioo 
unarmed men do against ten., equipped with loaded muskets 
and bayonets 7 However, unable to give up their country- 
men, our heroes still travelled on. 

About two miles from Savannah, there is a famous spring, 
generally called the Spa, well known to travellers, who 
often stopped there to quench their thirst. "Perhaps," 
said Jasper, "the guard may stop there." Hastening on 
through the woods, they gained the Spa, as their last hope, 
and there concealed themselves among the thick bushes 
that grew around the spring. Presently, the mournful 
procession came in sight of the spring, where the sergeant 
ordered a halt. Hope sprung afresh in the bosoms of our 
heroes, though, no doubt, mixed with great alarm; for "it 
was a fearful odds." The corporal, with his guard of four 
men, conducted the prisoners to the spring, while the ser- 
geant, with the other four, having grounded their arms 
near the road, brought up the rear. The prisoners, wea- 
ried with their long walk, were permitted to rest themselves 
on the earth. Poor Mrs. Jones, as usual, took her seat 
opposite her husband, and her little boy, overcome with 
fatigue, fell asleep in her lap. Two of the corporal's men 
were ordered to keep guard, and the other two to give the 
prisoners drink out of their canteens. These last ap- 
proached the spring, where our heroes lay concealed, and, 
resting their muskets against a pine tree, dipped up the 
water. Having drunk themselves, they turned away, with 
replenished canteens, to give to the prisoners also. " Now 
Newton, is our time," said Jasper. 

Then, bursting like lions from their concealment, they 
snatched up the two muskets that were resting against the 
pine, and, in an instant, shot down the two soldiers who 
were upon guard. It Avas now a contest who should get 
the two loaded muskets that fell from the hands of the 
slain; for, by this time, a couple of brave Englishmen, 
recovering from their momentary panic, had sprung and 
seized upon the muskets ; but before they could use them, 
the swift-handed Americans, with clubbed guns, levelled a 
13 



l46' AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

final bloAV at the heads of their brave antagonists. The 
tender bones of the skull gave way, and down they sunk, 
pale and quivering, without a groan. Then, hastily seiz- 
ing the muskets, which had thus a second time fallen from 
the hands of the slain, they flew between their surviving 
enemies and their weapons, grounded near the road, and 
ordered them to surrender; which they instantly did. 
They then snapped the handcuffs of the prisoners, and 
armed them with muskets. 

At the commencement of the fight, poor Mrs. Jones had 
fallen to the earth in a swoon, and her little son stood 
screaming piteously over her. But when she recovered, 
and saw her husband and his friends freed from their fet- 
ters, she behaved like one frantic with joy. She sprung 
to her husband's bosom, and, Avith her arms round his 
neck, sobbed out, " My husband is safe — bless God, my 
husband is safe." Then, snatching up her child, she 
pressed him to her heart, as she exclaimed, "Thank God! 
my son has a father yet." Then, kneeling at the feet of 
Jasper and Newton, she pressed their hands vehemently, 
but, in the fulness of her heart, she could only say, " God 
bless you ! God Almighty bless you ! " . For fear of being 
retaken by the English, our heroes seized the arms and 
regimentals of the dead, and, with their friends and cap- 
tive foes, recrossed the Savannah, and safely joined the 
American army at Purisburgh, t-o the inexpressible aston- 
ishment and joy of all. 

The celebrated Thomas Paine, then known only as a 
political writer, came to xlmerica in the early part of the 
contest, and employed his pen with great success in de- 
fence of the cause of independence. He was master of a 
plain, forcible and homely style, admirably fitted for popu- 
lar effect. His pamphlet entitled Common Sense had a 
prodigious circulation, and contributed not a little in 
strengthening the feeling of opposition to the domineering 
spirit of Britain. Paine's political writings were numerous, 
and much applauded by the friends of free institutions. 
But his popularity received a severe shock by his subse- 
quent writings against religion, which' were 'composed 
amidst the maddening frenzy of the French revolution. 



DIPLOMATIC MEASURES OF THE BRITISH. — 1778. 147 




Thomas Paine. 

The following extract of a letter from General Washing- 
ton, sti'ikingly illustrates the situation of affairs at this 
period : " It is not a little pleasing, nor less wonderful, to 
contemplate, that, after two years' manoeuvring, and under- 
going the strangest vicissitudes that perhaps ever attended 
any one contest since the creation, both armies are brought 
back to the very point they set out from, and the oifend- 
ing party, in the beginning, is reduced to the spade and 
pick-axe for defence. The hand of Providence has been 
so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than 
an infidel that lacks faith, and moredian wicked, that has 
not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations." 

The British, distrusting the success of their arms, deter- 
mined to accomplish their oliject by the arts of diplomacy. 
An attempt was made to bribe Mr. Reed, and other mem- 
bers of congress, to assist in reconciling the Americans to 
the English government. The instrument of this attempt 
was George Johnston, Esq., one of the British commis- 
sioners. Mr. Reed replied — " I am not worth buying, but 
such as I am, the king of England is not rich enough to do 
it." The facts were disclosed to congress, and excited 
considerable feeling. Congress then resolved, that all let- 
ters addressed to members of congress by British commis- 
sionerSj or agents, or any subjects of the king of Great 



148 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

Britain, of a public nature, should be laid before that body. 
To this resolution, a spirited reply was made from New 
York, by Johnston, and a total disavowal of the facts, on 
the part of Sir Henry Clinton, Lord Carlisle, and Mr. 
Eden. At the same time, a ratification of the convention 
of Saratoga was tendered, that the troops of Burgoyne 
might be suffered to embark for England. This was de- 
clined by congress, unless ratified by the British govern- 
ment. By the terras of Saratoga, the British troops were 
to be sent home on their parole. This was not done, as 
the British officers had violated the treaty in not giving 
up their side arms, and Burgoyne' s troops were detained 
at Boston. 

The British commissioners then appealed to the peo- 
ple, and this was allowed by congress, trusting that the 
good sense of the inhabitants would treat it with contempt, 
and cover the authors with lasting disgrace. Chagrined 
by their failure in this insidious measure, they denounced 
the American government in a manifesto, threatening the 
American people with destruction, if they determined to 
persevere in their rebellion, and adhere to their alliance 
with France. This idle threat was fairly met by congress, 
by a statement of the mode of warfare adopted by the 
enemy, which was thus concluded : "If our enemies pre- 
sume to execute their threats, or persist in their present 
career of barbarity,. we Avill take such exemplary ven- 
geance as shall deter others from a like conduct. We 
appeal to that God, who is the Searcher of hearts, for 
the rectitude of our intentions, and in his holy presence 
declare, that as we are not moved by any light or hasty 
suggestions of anger or revenge, so, through every possible 
change of fortune, we will adhere to this our determina- 
tion." 

Dr. Franklin, till now a commissioner at the French 
court, was appointed minister plenipotentiary to the court 
of Versailles, with instructions to negotiate for an expedi- 
tion to Canada. About this time, the Sieur Gerard deliv- 
ered his credentials to congress, and was recognised as a 
minister from the French court. La Fayette requested 



DESTRUCTION OF WYOMING. 1778. 149 

leave to return to France, to which congress readily con- 
sented, and directed the president to express to him, by- 
letter, the thanks of congress, for that disinterested zeal 
that led him to America, as well as those services he had 
rendered the United States, by the exertions of his cour- 
age and abilities, on many signal occasions. They also 
directed Dr. Franklin to cause an elegant sword to be 
made, with proper devices, and presented to the marquis, 
in the name of the United States. Congress, at the same 
time, addressed a letter to the king of France, expressive 
of the high sense they entertained of the talents and 
services of the marquis. He took his leave of congress by 
letter, repaired to Boston, and embarked for France. 

During these movements, the Indians, in concert with 
the tories, began their ravages upon the Susquehanna; in 
August, 1778, they entered the settlements in a body of about 
sixteen hundred ; defeated Colonel Butler, at the head of 
about four hundred men, and cut off his party with a ter- 
rible slaughter. They took one small fort at Kingston, 
and then carried Fort Wilkesbarre; butchered the garrison, 
and burnt the women and children in the barracks. They 
next proceeded to lay waste the settlements in the valley 
of Wyoming with fire and sword, and destroyed the cattle 
in the most wanton and barbarous manner ; but spared 
the persons and property of the tories. These savage 
marauders were commanded by Colonel Johii Butler, a 
tory refugee, who was more cruel than his savage allies. 
The Americans were commanded by Colonel Zeb Butler, 
cousin to the commander of the savages. The women 
and children took refuge in the fort, which was defended 
by Colonel Dennison. After most of his men had fallen, he 
went out with a flag, to inquire what terms would be 
granted to them, on surrendering the garrison. He re- 
ceived from the ferocious Butler a reply in two words ; 
"The hatchet." Colonel Dennison Avas finally obliged to 
surrender at discretion ; when the threat of Butler was 
rigidly executed. The inhabitants, including women and 
children, were inclosed in the houses and barracks, which 
were immediately set on fire, and the demons of hell 
13=^ 



150 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

glutted their vengeance in beholding their destruction in one 
general conflagration. They even extended their cruelty 
to the cattle in the fields, shooting some, and cutting out 
the tongues of others, leaving them alive. A few of the 
inhabitants only escaped, who fled to the woods, destitute 
of provisions or covering, shuddering with fear and dis- 
tress ; their sufferings were extreme. The cries of widows 
and orphans called loudly for the avenging hand of heaven. 
The name of Colonel John Bnthr ought to be consigned 
to eternal infamy, for the base treachery and cruelty with 
which he betrayed his kinsman, Colonel Zeb Butler, a 
respectable American officer, while under the sanction of a 
flag. 

Early in October, Sir Henry Clinton detached Captain 
Ferguson, with about three hundred men, upon an expedi- 
tion to Little Egg Harbor, under a strong convoy, to de- 
stroy the American shipping and privateers; but these 
being removed, Captain Ferguson proceeded up to Chesuut 
Neck, where he destroyed such vessels as were there, 
together with the whole village, and laid waste the adja- 
cent country, and rejoined the squadron. On the lotli, 
the convoy, with the troops, moved round to another landing 
place not far distant, and landed two hundred and fifty 
men, under the command of Captain Ferguson, who ad- 
vanced into the country in the silence of night, and 
surprised Count Pulaski's light infantry ; killed the Baron 
de Base and Lieutenant De la Broderic, with fifty privates. 
These were mostly butchered in cold blood, begging for 
mercy, under the orders oino quarters ; but Count Pulaski 
closed this horrid scene, by a sudden charge of his cavalry, 
that put to flight the murderous foe, and thus saved the 
remnant of his infantry. Captain Ferguson made a hasty 
retreat, embarked liis party, and returned to New York. 

Admiral Graves arrived at New York, on the 16th of 
October, in a most shattered condition, from a violent 
storm, which detained him the remainder of the month, to 
repair the ffeet. About the first of November he put to 
sea, and appeared off' the harbor of Boston, on a visit to the 
Count D'Estaing; but a violent storm here overtook him, 



152 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

scattered his fleet, destroyed the Somerset, of sixty-four 
guns, on the shores of Cape Cod, and forced the rest into 
Rhode Island for shelter. 

About this time a regiment of American cavalry, com- 
manded by Colonel Baylor, being posted on the lines near 
Tappaan, their situation was betrayed by some tories. A 
party of the enemy surprised them while in a barn, in the 
night, and massacred a part of them with the most savage 
cruelty. The commander of the party who disgraced 
themselves by this foul deed, was the English general 
Grey. Colonel Baylor's detachment consisted of one hun- 
dred and four horsemen. The attack was so sudden, that 
they were entirely defenceless, and the enemy immediatsly 
commenced the horrid M^ork of slaughter. Their entreaties 
and cries for mercy were totally disregarded. Very few 
only of this regiment escaped. 

The war now exhibited scenes of the most unrelenting 
barbarity. Except in few instances, the rules of civilized 
warriors seemed liardly to be known, and the combatants 
seemed mutually determined on a war of extermination. 
Hostilities Avere carried anew into the Susquehanna coun- 
trj\ Colonel William Butler, at the head of a Pennsylva- 
nia regiment, with a band of riflemen, led an expedition to 
the Indian villages, which he destroyed, and, after enduring 
the greatest hardships, returned in safety in sixteen days. 
To avenge this incursion. Colonel .Tohn Butler, at the head 
of a strong party, surprised Colonel xllden, at Cherry Val- 
ley, who was killed, and the greatest cruelties were perpe- 
trated. Fifty or sixty men. women, and children, were 
killed or made captives, and even the dead were made 
monuments of savage barbarities. 

All further designs against the north seemed now to be 
abandoned. Clinton and Prescott, who commanded in East 
Florida, concerted a plan of operations against Georgia. 
Before this could be carried into efiect, two parties entered 
Georgia from Florida, one by land, and the other by water. 
The latter advanced to Sunbury, and summoned the place 
to surrender ; but receiving a spirited reply from Colonel 
Mackintosh, the attempt was abandoned. The other party 



OPERATIONS IN GEORGIA AND CAROLINA. 177S. 153 

made for Savannah, but. being firmly opposed by General 
Screven and Colonel Elbert, nothing was ejSected. if we 
except the plundering of negroes and cattle, and the com- 
mission of the most wanton barbarities. Colonel Screven 
was killed in the defence. 

On the 27th of November, 1778, Colonel Campbell em- 
barked at Sandy Hook, at the head of one regiment, two 
battalions of regulars, and four of tories. with a detachment 
of artillery. — in all about twenty-five hundred men. — and 
arrived at the mouth of the Savannah, the latter part of 
December, and soon landed his troops. The American 
general, R. HoAve, was posted in this place, at the head of 
about eight hundred militia and regulars, worn down by a 
fruitless expedition against Florida. He chose a judicious 
position to cover Savannah, but was out-generalled, sur- 
prised in camp, and routed, with a considerable loss of men 
and arms. The fort, with its contents, forty-eight pieces 
of cannon, twenty-three mortars, all the shipping, a large 
store of provisions, and the capital of the state, fell into the 
hands of the victors. The defenceless inhabitants were 
bayoneted in the streets, and the remnant of the troops 
escaped to South Carolina. About this time, Sunbury fell 
into the hands of General Prescott, who marched to Savan- 
nah, and took command of the royal army. The inhabi- 
tants were directed to lay down their arms, or use them in 
support of the royal cause. 

On the 25th of September, General Lincoln was appointed 
to the command of the southern army, but he did not arrive 
at Charleston until the 4th of December. He was joined 
by Generals Ashe and Rutherford, with about two thousand 
North Carolina militia, destined to act in defence of South 
Carolina. As Georgia was the point of attack, Lincoln 
raised somethmg less than a thousand men, and joined the 
remains of the troops under Colonel Elbert, establishing 
his head quarters at Purysburgh. Here he found himself 
at the head o? but fourteen hundred men, and even this 
small force destitute of arms, cannon, tents, and almost of 
powder and lead. The mihtia of South Carolina were 
without discipline or subordination, and, on the 24th of 



154 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



January, 1779, they had generally returned to their homes. 
About eleven hundred militia from North Carolina supplied 
their place, and the whole force Avas about twenty-four 
hundred. General Prescott had taken possession of Port 
Royal island, South Carolina; and General Moultrie, at the 
head of the Charleston militia, attacked the island, dis- 
lodged the enemy, and compelled the colonel to retire into 
Georgia, with much loss. He took post at Augusta, and, 
by fomenting divisions and encouraging insurrections, 
caused much distress. But a party from the district of 
Ninety-six, under Colonel Pickens, pursued the banditti, 
which they overtook, routed, killed, or dispersed, and their 
leader. Colonel Boyd, was slain. The remainder threw 
themselves on the clemency of the state. Seventy were 
tried, convicted, and sentenced to death ; but the sentence 
was executed on five of the principals only, and the remain- 
der were pardoned. 




Lincoln determined to dislodge the enemy from Georgia, 
and directed General Wilhamson to take a strong position 
near Augusta, to watch the motions of Colonel Campbell ; 



CAMPAIGN IN CAROLINA. 1779. ISW 

and General Ashe was ordered to the support of Wilham- 
son, with about two thousand men. On receiving the 
intelhgence of this junction, the British retired about four- 
teen miles down the river. Measures were concerted by 
the American generals, and the plan of operations settled. 

On the 3d of March, Colonel Prevost gained the rear of 
the American camp by a circuitous march, and commenced 
a furious attack. The continentals advanced to the charge, 
to check the invaders ; but the militia were panic-struck, 
and flight ensued. The regulars, under General Elbert, 
were cut to pieces, and the militia, under General Ashe, 
never returned. The Americans lost one hundred and fifty 
killed, and one hundred and sixty-two captured : the 
wounded not numbered. About four hundred and fifty 
rejoined General Lincoln. Georgia now belonged to the 
enemy, and a free communication was opened with the 
tories of South Carolina. 

In this state of alarm, John Rutledgc was appointed gov- 
ernor of the state, and to him and the council was given a 
dictatorial power. A large body-of militia was assembled 
at Orangeburg, near the centre of the state, to act as might 
be required. Williamson sent parties into Georgia to dis- 
tress and plunder the enemy. On this, Lincoln remarked 
to the governor, that tlie innocent and the guilty, the aged 
and infirm, women and children, would,be equally exposed 
to the effects of this order. Lincoln was now reinforced at 
his camp, at Black Swamp, a. id advanced into Georgia, 
leaving a strong guard, under General Moultrie, at Purys- 
bnrgh. Prescott permitted the Americans to advance one 
hundred and fifty miles, that he might surprise General 
Moultrie. Moultrie eluded tlie attack, by a change of posi- 
tion. Lincoln, learning the movements of Prescott, moved 
by forced marches in support of Moultrie, and to cover 
Charleston. The governor took alarm by the movements 
of Prescott, and destroyed the suburbs, that he might 
guard against the advance of the enemy. The neighbor- 
ing militia were called in to join his troops in defence of 
Charleston. 

On the 11th of March, Prescott crossed the ferry, and 



156 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

appeared before Charleston; on which day the Count Pu- 
laski arrived; and entered into the defence of this city with 
spirit. The object of Prescott was to capture the town 
before Lincoln could arrive; and his operations were con- 
ducted with such vigor, that the civil authority sent out 
the following proposition: "South Carolina will remain 
in a state of neutrality till the close of the war, and then 
follow the fate of her neighbors, on condition the royal 
army withdraw." To which General Prescott replied: 
"The garrison are in arms, and they shall surrender pris- 
oners of war." But, before General Prescott could 
accomplish anything of importance, Lincoln arrived, and 
the enemy withdrew to Beaufort, and thence to Georgia. 
Plunder and devastation marked their steps. Slaves, to 
the number of three thousand, were taken, and sent for 
sale to the West Indies. 

An expedition was fitted out, by Sir Henry Clinton, 
under Sir George Collier and General Matthews, from 
New York, who took possession of Portsmouth, and the 
remains of Norfolk, in Virginia, in May, 1779. On the 
same day a detachment was sent to Suffolk, and destroyed 
provisions, naval stores, and vessels, leaving the town in 
ashes ; and gentlemen's seats, as well as plantations, were 
burnt and ravaged. On the coast the same ravages were 
committed by the ^ect. About one hundred and thirty" 
vessels Avere destroyed or captured, with about three 
thousand hogsheads of tobacco. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

American Revolution. — Tn/on^s marauding expedition to Connecticut — 
New Haven plundered — Barbarities of the British — Capture of Stony 
Point — Sullivan^s expedition against the Indians — Exploits of Paul 
Jones — Failure of the expedition to the Penobscot — War in the south — 
Arrival of D'Estaing's fleet — Siege of Savannah — Repulse of the 
French and Americans — Death of Pulaski — Gallant exploit of Colonel 
White — The British evacuate Rhode Island — Clinton invades South 
Carolina — Siege of Charleston — Surrender of the town — Defeat of 
Colonel Buford at the Waxliaws — General Gates appointed to the 
command in the south — Partisan war of Marion and Sumter — 
Knyphausen^s excursion to New Jersey — Arrival of a French fleet and 
army, under De Tiernay and Rochambeau — Lord Cornwallis in South 
Carolina — Battle of Camden — Disasters of the Americans — Cornivallis 
threatens North Carolina — Colonel Ferguson^ s expedition to the 
north — Defeat of the British at King^s Mountain — Atrocities of 
the loar — Imprisonment and escape of General Wadsworth. 

Early in 1779, Sir Henry Clinton had concerted measures 
with the tories and British under his command, to assume 
a general system of predatory war in America, and sub- 
mitted his plans to the British ministry, who expressed 
their approbation. This plan soon reached the American 
commission, at Paris, and was communicated to Governor 
Trumbull, of Connecticut, on the 6th of April, 1779. 
Clinton detached General Try on, formerly governor of New 
York, with two thousand six hundred land forces, protected 
by a squadron under Sir George Collier, and supported by 
General Garth, to begin their depredations in Connecticut. 
On the 4th of July, the armament moved into the sound, 
and the commanders issued their proclamation to the 
citizens of Connecticut, offering pardon and protection to 
all such as would return to their allegiance, but threatening 
ruin and destruction to all who should reject this over- 
14 



168 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



ture. On the morning of the 6th, Tryon landed his division 
at East Haven; Garth landed at the same time at West 
Haven, and proceeded directly to New Haven, and gave 
up the town to promiscuous pillage. The militia collected 
so fast on the next day, that the enemy abandoned the 
town in haste, burnt several stores on Long wharf, and em- 
barked their troops. The infamous Tryon next proceeded 
to the plunder of East Haven, and then sailed for Fairfield. 
The town and vicinity were laid in ruins, and the enemy 
embarked for Norwalk, which was next laid in ashes. He 
then returned to New York. In this incursion, four houses 
for public worship, near one hundred dwellings, eighty 
barns, about thirty stores, seventeen shops, four mills, and 
five vessels were burnt ; and, in addition to this destruc- 
tion of property, the greatest acts of brutality were perpe- 
trated. Women were insulted and abused, while their ap- 
parel was robbed, and desks, trunks, and closets were rifled. 
The strong post of Stony Point, on the Hudson, had been 
taken by the British, and garrisoned with a formidable 
force. General Wayne was despatched on an expedition 




Storming of Stony Foint. 



against it. He commenced his inarch on the 15th July, 
at noon ; and, after having crossed the mountains, through 



EXPLOITS OF PAUL JONES. 1779. 159 

dangerous and difficult defiles, he approached the fort about 
eight of the same evening. Having reconnoitred the posi- 
tion of the enemy, the general put himself at the head of 
his brave troops, and, at twenty minutes past twelve pre- 
cisely, on the night of the 16th, entered the fort with 
screwed bayonets, amidst a most tremendous fire of musket 
and grape, and carried the fortress without firing a gun. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury entered the fort with his divis- 
ion, upon the opposite side, at the same time, and both 
parties met in the centre ; but the garrison was spared and 
made prisoners of war, to the number of five hundred and 
forty-three. Wayne dismantled the fort, and brought off 
the cannon, stores, &c., agreeably to orders. Congress 
passed a vote of thanks to Washington, Wayne, and the 
officers and soldiers under their command, for the masterly 
exploit in the capture of Stony Point. 

The English, having persuaded the Six Nations of In- 
dians, the Oneidas excepted, to take up the hatchet against 
the United States, General Sullivan was sent with a de- 
tachment of from four to five thousand men to chastise 
them. He marched up the Susquehanna, and attacked 
them in their fortifications, which were well constructed. 
The resistance was obstinate, but they were compelled to 
yield, and took to flight. According to his instructions, 
their country was devastated, and one hundred and sixty 
thousand bushels of corn were consumed. 

In naval affairs, the Americans had met with much suc- 
cess by means of their small privateers, which greatly 
annoyed the commerce of the British, and benefitted the 
colonists by the capture of many valuable prizes, not only 
of merchant ships, but also of store-ships and transports, 
laden with arms, ammunition and supplies for the British 
armies. The most famous among the American naval 
commanders was John Paul Jones, a native of Scotland, 
who had settled in Virginia previous to the breaking out of 
the revolution. He received the first appointment of 
lieutenant in the American navy, and was so successful 
in his early cruises with a small vessel, in 1776, that he 
was sent by congress to France the next year, where he 



160 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



obtained a large vessel, and, in 1778, sailed for the coast of 
Scotland. Here he kept the country in a constant state of 




Paul Jones. 



alarm, captured Whitehaven, with two forts and twenty 
pieces of cannon, and burnt the shipping in the harbor. 
He returned to Brest with two hundred prisoners. In 1779, 
he put to sea again, in the frigate Bon Homme Richard, 
and, on the 23d of September, fought his celebrated action 
with the British frigate Serapis, off Flamborough Head, on 
the coast of England. The Serapis was much superior in 
strength to the Richard. This was the most desperate 
battle ever fought. The ships were grappled together, and 
the guns met muzzle to muzzle. In this position they lay, 
strewing the decks with carnage and destruction, about 
two hours. Both ships were frequently on fire, but the 
Serapis not less than ten or twelve times. 

The American frigate Alliance was near, and attempted 
to cooperate in the action, with some good effect, until the 
darkness of the evening rendered it impossible to distin- 
guish correctly, when she killed eleven men, and wounded 



EXPEDITION TO THE PENOBSCOT. 1779. 161 

several others, on board the Bon Homme Richard. At 
this critical moment the Serapis struck, and closed the 
sanguinary scene. The Bon Homme Richard, at the close 
of the action, was so much of a wreck as to have seven 
feet of water in her hold, which rendered it necessary to 
remove the crew on board the Serapis, and the wounded 
on board the Pallas. On the 24th, her pumps were closely 
plied ; but, on the 25th, she went down. Fortunately, no 
lives were lost. The Pallas engaged and took the Countess 
of Scarborough, at the same time, and Commodore Jones 
sailed with his prizes for the coast of Holland, and anchor- 
ed off the Texel. 

During the course of this year, the district of Maine was 
the scene of some military operations. A detachment of 
British forces from Halifax had taken possession of Castine, 
on the Penobscot, in 1779, and strongly fortified that port. 
This gave an alarm to the people of Massachusetts, and 
the government at Boston projected a scheme to expel them 
from the place. A body of militia was drafted and placed 
under the command of General Lovell. A fleet of nearly 
twenty small men-of-war and privateers, besides twenty- 
four transports, were collected, and an embargo for forty 
days was laid by the legislature of Massachusetts on all 
the shipping in the state, to obtain a supply of seamen. 
The whole undertaking was prosecuted by the government 
of Massachusetts, without the cooperation of the continental 
forces. In consequence of this, much delay attended the 
preparations, and the British received intelligence of the 
design in season to take effective measures for their defence. 
When the armament was ready for sailing from Boston, it 
lay wind-bound in Nantasket Roads for some days, and 
Colonel M'Lean, who commanded the British post on the 
Penobscot, received intelligence of the departure of the 
fleet from Boston, four days before its arrival in the bay. 
The British were posted on a peninsula in Penobscot Bay, 
and had thrown up an intrenchment on the isthmus. The 
part toward the river was steep and difficult of access, and 
v/as also defended by frigates and batteries, the principal 
battery being situated about the centre of the peninsula. 
14^ 



1Q2 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

It is possible that even the raw mihtia which composed 
the land forces of the expedition might have succeeded in 
capturing the place, had the American commanders pos- 
sessed the requisite talent for the business. Unfortunately, 
Lovell, their general, and Saltonstall, the commodore, were 
deficient both in skill and resolution. The troops were 
landed on the 28th of July, and should have been led 
immediately to storm the British works. Lovell, on the 
contrary, summoned the garrison to surrender; which 
being refused, he spent two days in erecting a battery. 
The British improved this time, and what followed during 
an ineffectual cannonading, for finishing and strengthening 
their works, till they were out of apprehension of being 
stormed. The militia soon became tired of these tedious 
proceedings, and manifested much anxiety to return to their 
homes. Lovell, in consequence, M'^rote to the government 
of Massachusetts, who applied to General Gates, then com- 
manding at Providence, for a reinforcement of four hundred 
continental troops. This request was granted, and a regi- 
ment was ordered to the Penobscot. Lovell waited its 
arrival in order to storm the enemy's works. But it was 
already too late. Sir George Collier, who commanded the 
British fleet at Sandy Hook, had received information, by a 
Boston paper, of the expedition then on foot ; for no secrecy 
appears to have been observed, during the preparations, as 
to the design of the whole. He put to sea immediately, on 
the 3d of August, and before the reinforcement had pro- 
ceeded half way, he appeared with his squadron in Penob- 
scot Bay. His unexpected arrival brought the Americans 
at once between two fires. They abandoned their batteries 
and reembarked. The fleet was drawn up in a crescent 
across the river, as if to offer the enemy battle, but in reality 
to check the advance of the British, by a show of resistance, 
until the transports could escape up the river and land the 
troops on the western shore. But the British commander 
was too conscious of his own strength to permit this strat- 
agem to succeed. As they approached, the Americans 
made all sail in retreat. The British pursued, and the 
American ships were all taken or destroyed. The miUtia 



SIEGE OF SAVANNAH. 1779. 163 

escaped on shore, but found themselves in an uncultivated 
wilderness, without provisions or guides. For many days 
they roamed through these gloomy and pathless deserts, 
losing several of their number, who perished in the woods, 
till, exhausted with famine and fatigue, they at length 
reached the settlements. Such was the disastrous issue of 
an enterprise which might have succeeded under the con- 
duct of skilful and energetic leaders. 

We shall now return to the operations in the southern 
states. Instead of pursuing General Prescott in his retreat 
to Georgia, General Lincoln devoted all his powers and 
strength to the defence of Charleston against any further 
attack. After learning the success of D'Estaing in the 
West Indies, Governor Rutledge, General Lincoln, and the 
French consul, wrote to the count, inviting him to coop- 
erate with the Americans in the reduction of Savannah. 
The invitation was accepted, and, on the first of September, 
1779, he arrived ofi' Charleston, with a fleet of twenty sail 
of the line, two of fifty guns, and eleven frigates. A British 
eighty-gun ship and three frigates were taken by surprise. 
On the arrival of the French, Lincoln marched with all his 
troops for Savannah. The fleet sailed to join him ; the 
French troops were landed in ten or twelve days, and 
D'Estaing summoned the town to surrender to the arms of 
the king of France. Lincoln remonstrated against this, 
as the Americans were acting in concert. The count 
persisted, and General Prescott demanded a cessation of 
hostilities for twenty-four hours, to deliberate, which was 
granted. During this time, seven or eight hundred British 
troops arrived from Beaufort, and Prescott determined to 
defend the town to the last extremity. The count saw his 
error, and consulted Lincoln, and they united their efforts 
to carry the town by a regular siege. 

On the 23d of September the allies broke ground, and 
commenced their operations. On the 4th of October, they 
opened their batteries, and began to play upon the town 
with nine mortars, and fifty-four pieces of cannon, which 
continued four or five days without intermission, but with- 
out any apparent efl?ect. On the morning of the 8th, the 



164 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

enemy sallied out, and attempted to set fire to the abattis ; 
but the materials were green, the weather moist, and the 
attempt failed. General Prescott next requested that the 
women and children might be removed ; but this was 
refused, and the allies resolved to carry the town by storm. 
On the morning of the 9th, the assault commenced. The 
attack was well concerted, and bravely executed, by the 
allies ; yet the fire of the enemy was so destructive, that 
the troops gave way, after having planted the French and 
American standards upon the British redoubts. At this 
eventful moment the brave Count Pulaski fell, mortally 
wounded, at the head of his legion, when charging the 
enemy in their rear, in the full career of victory. The allies 
supported this desperate conflict fifty-five minutes, under 
a deadly fire from the enemy's batteries, and then made 
good their retreat, with the loss of six hundred and thirty- 
seven French, and two hundred and thirty-four continen- 
tals, killed and wounded. The defence of the place was 
well conducted by General Prescott, and he certainly 
deserved the applause of his king and country. In consid- 
eration of the bravery of Count Pulaski, congress resolved 
that a monument be erected to his memory. 

During the siege of Savannah, an event occurred honor- 
able to an enterprising individual, and Avhich should not be 
forgotten. A captain of Colonel Delancey's battalion of 
refugee troops, with about one hundred royal regulars, 
were posted about twenty-five miles from Savannah. Colo- 
nel John White, of the Georgia line, was desirous of 
capturing this party. His whole force, however, consisted 
of only six volimtcers^ including his own servant. It was 
only by a well-concerted stratagem that he could hope for 
success. In the night, he kindled a number of fires in dif- 
ferent places, and exhibited the appearance of a large 
encampment. Having arranged his plan, he summoned the 
captain to surrender, threatening his party with entire 
destruction, by a superior force, in case of a refusal. 
Deceived by the appearances, he immediately signified his 
readiness to comply with the demand, and made no 
defence. Captain White had now the satisfaction to see 



SIEGE OF CHARLESTON. 1780. 165 

the whole of the prisoners, amounting to one hundred and 
forty, divest themselves of their arms, and submit to him- 
self and six volunteers. The prisoners were safely con- 
ducted by the captors a distance of twenty-five miles, 
during the night, to the nearest American post. 

D'Estaing embarked his troops, and seven ships were 
ordered for the Chesapeake, one of which only arrived at 
the place of destination, the fleet having been dispersed by 
a storm. The remainder steered for the West Indies. 
Meantime, Sir Henry Clinton, expecting an attack on New 
York by the French fleet, ordered General Pi got to evacu- 
ate Rhode Island, which order was accomplished, and the 
troops repaired to head-quarters at New York. Near the 
close of December, as the coast was still clear. Sir Henry 
planned an expedition to South Carolina. He embarked 
seven thousand five hundred troops, under convoy of Ad- 
miral Arbuthnot, and about the last of January, 1780, he 
appeared off" Charleston. As one ordnance ship and sev- 
eral transports had been wrecked and lost on the passage, 
and several taken by the Americans, he was not prepared 
to effect a landing until February 11th, when he landed 
on the south side of John's Island, thirty miles from the 
city. But this expedition had been foreseen by congress, 
and preparations were made to meet it. Three continen- 
tal frigates were to sail for the port, and a trusty officer 
was despatched to the Havana, in order to obtain ships 
and troops for the defence, promising, as a return, two 
thousand men to cooperate with the Spaniards in the re- 
duction of St. Augustine. 

To the British force of seven or eight thousand men. 
General Lincoln could oppose but two thousand four hun- 
dred, near half of whom were militia ; yet with them he 
hoped to defend the city. The continental frigates arrived, 
and, landing their crews, guns, and equipments, prepared 
to act on the defensive. The British admiral entered the 
harbor with all the ships which could pass the bar. On 
the 10th of April, Charleston was summoned to surrender, 
which the commander refused. On the 12th, Clinton 
opened his batteries on the town, and his fire was promptly 



166 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



returned during eight successive days. On the 18th, a 
reinforcement arrived from New York, of three thousand 
men, and the besiegers approached within three hundred 
yards of the American hues. A council of war was called 
by General Lincoln, at which it was made evident that a 
retreat would be attended with many distressing incon- 
veniences, if not altogether impracticable, and Lincoln 
determined to continue the defence. But, shortly after, he 
again summoned another council of war, and at the event- 
ful moment, the flag of the enemy was seen to wave on 
the walls of Fort Moultrie. Sullivan's Island fell into the 
hands of the enemy on the 6th of May. 




Sir Henry Clinton. 



Clinton pushed his approaches, and, on the 8th, he opened 
a correspondence with Lincoln ; renewed his summons, 
offered terms, &c., and threatened to renew hostilities at 
eight o'clock the next day. The eventful hour arrived, 
and awful, solemn silence ensued; neither party fired a 
gun ; all was anxious suspense for an hour, yet neither 
party moved a proposition. At nine, the besieged opened 



DEFEAT OF BUFORD. — 1780, 167 

a fire upon the enemy, who, in their turn, opened their 
batteries upon the town, which threatened to bury it in 
ruins. The town was repeatedly on fire, and many houses 
were burnt ; at the same time the besiegers advanced their 
last parallel to the distance of twenty yards, and prepared 
for a general assault by sea and land. The critical mo- 
ment had now arrived. The people, by their leaders, called 
on General Lincoln to renew the conference, and make 
terms with the enemy. The lieutenant-governor and coun- 
cil enforced the request. The militia threw down their 
arms, and all was submission. Lincoln renewed the con- 
ference with the British commander, and accepted his 
terms. Sir Henry complied, and the next day the garrison, 
with all such as had borne arms, marched out, and became 
prisoners of war on the 12th of May. The French consul, 
and the subjects of France and Spain, were, with their 
houses and effects, to be protected; but they themselves 
were to be considered prisoners of war. 

At this time. Colonel Buford was advancing through the 
upper country, with a party of three hundred Virginians, 
to the relief of Charleston. When the British Colonel 
Tarleton learnt the position of this party, he advanced 
with about seven hundred cavalry and mounted infantry, 
by a forced march of one hundred and five miles in fifty- 
four hours, and surprised them at the Waxhaws, and sum- 
moned the colonel to surrender. A parley ensued ; and 
during the conference, Tarleton' s men, surrounded the 
party, and cut them to pieces, while begging for quarters. 
Thirty-seven only were made prisoners, and the remainder 
Avere either killed or wounded in the butchery. Lord Corn- 
wallis highly applauded the act, and recommended Colonel 
Tarleton specially to the favor of his sovereign. With this 
blow, the state of South Carolina was subdued, and a reg- 
ular British government was organized. 

General Gates, then in Virginia, was appointed to suc- 
ceed General Lincoln in the southern command. Georgia 
and South Carolina were now wholly subdued, and the 
enemy saw his way clear to advance into North Carolina. 
To counteract these movements of Tarleton, and keep up 



168 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

the spirits of the people, Generals Marion and Sumter, at 
the head of their flying parties, kept up a system of preda- 
tory warfare, that greatly harassed and annoyed the enemy. 
So sharp and desperate were their attacks, that, in one 
instance. General Sumter reduced the Prince of Wales' 
regiment, from the number of two hundred and seventy- 
eight, to nine. While the brave Sumter was thus harassing 
the enemy, and animating the zeal of the inhabitants, a 
considerable force was traversing the middle 'states south- 
ward, for the relief of the British troops,. 

Washington with his army still lay before New York. On 
the 6th of June, 1780, the British generals, Knyphausen, 
Robertson, Tryon and Sterling, crossed from Staten Island 
into New Jersey, at the head of five thousand regulars. 
On the 7th, they advanced to Connecticut Farms, distant 
about five miles, in quest of the Rev. James Caldwell, 
whose patriotic zeal had rendered him peculiarly obnox- 
ious ; wantonly shot his wife in her own house, then burnt 
the house and meeting-house, with about a dozen other 
dwelling-houses. The royal army next attempted to ad- 
vance to Springfield, but were checked by Colonel Dayton, 
supported by General Maxwell, and they fled in disorder. 
Washington considered this movement as a feint, to open 
the way for an attack upon West Point. He accordingly 
detached General Greene, at the head of a strong party, to 
watch the motions of the enemy. Washington, learning 
from Greene th^t Springfield was their object of destina- 
tion, sent forward a detachment to support Greene. The 
enemy advanced upon Springfield at five in the morning 
of the 23d of June. Greene disputed every pass valiantly, 
but obstinate bravery was constrained to yield to superior 
numbers. Greene retired to tlie high grounds, and the 
enemy gained the town, which they destroyed. The com- 
mander-in-chief, sensible of the worth and talents of Gen- 
eral Greene, returned the thanks of himself and his suffering 
country to him and the men under his command. But this 
skirmish did not pass off" so lightly. The militia rallied in 
considerable force, and drove the enemy to Staten Island, 
in a precipitate retreat. 



ARRIVAL OF DE TERNAY AND ROCHAMBEAU. 1780. 169 

La Fayette, who had been to France on leave of absence, 
now returned to America. He had negotiated for supplies 
from the French government, and an armament was soon 
to follow him. On the 10th of July, a French fleet arrived 
at Newport, Rhode Island, consisting of two ships of eighty 
guns, one of seventy-four, four of sixty-four, two frigates 
of forty, a cutter of twenty, an hospital ship pierced for 
sixty-four, one bomb-ship, and thirty-two transports, under 
the command of the Chevalier de Ternay. They brought 
regiments of land forces, together with the legion of De 
Luzerne, and a battalion of artillery ; in the whole, about 
six thousand, under the command of Lieutenant-General 
Count de Rochambeau. 

General Heath received the count at his landing, and 
put him and his troops in possession of the island, where 
they were handsomely accommodated. The general assem- 
bly, then in session at Newport, by their special committee, 
presented the count with a complimentary address; to which 
the count replied with assurances that a much greater force 
would soon follow him, and that his whole powers would 
be devoted to the service of the United States. "The 
French troops," added the count, "are under the strictest 
discipline, and, acting under the orders of General Wash- 
ington, will live with the Americans as brethren. I am 
highly sensible of the marks of respect shown me by tlie 
assembly, and beg leave to assure them that, as brethren, 
not only my life, but the lives of the troops under my com- 
mand, are devoted to their service." La Fayette witnessed 
these respectful attentions to his countrymen, and, in honor 
to our French allies, Washington directed, in his general 
orders, that black and white cockades should be worn as 
a compliment. 

After the fall of Charleston, Clinton committed the care 
of the southern states to Lord Cornwallis, with four thou- 
sand men, and returned to New York. The arrival of the 
French fleet at Rhode Island, gave Admiral Arbuthnot 
considerable alarm. His whole force amounted to but four 
ships of the line. But he was joined by Admiral Graves, 
with six line-of-battle ships, and felt himself secure from 
15 



170 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

attack in New York. With this reinforcement Clinton 
concerted an attack on the French fleet at Newport, and 
immediately embarked eight thousand troops. The fleet 
put into Huntiugton Bay, on Long Island. The country 
was alarmed, and the militia turned out in force. But 
Washington made a diversion, by moving his whole force 
down to Kingsbridge, and threatening New York. The 
plan succeeded, and the British returned to New York in 
haste. 

In the south, Lord Cornwallis, having settled the gov- 
ernment of ^^outh Carolina, pre})ared to subdue the rebel- 
lious spirit of the North Carolinians. General Gates, with 
a very small army, moved across Deep river, on the 27th 
of July, 1780, to watch the motions of the enemy. On the . 
6th of August, he was joined by General Caswell, at the 
head of a fine body of North Carolina militia, who were in 
good spirits, but under bad discipline ; and he encamped 
at the Cross Roads, on his way to Camden. On the 13th, 
he moved forward his army to Clermont, where he was 
joined by Brigadier-General Stevens, with about seven 
hundred Virginia militia. An express also arrived, inform-i 
ing him that Colonel Sumter would join him at Camden, 
with a detachment of South Carolina militia, and that an 
escort of clothing, ammunition and stores was on its way 
from Charleston to Camden, for the use of the garrison 
posted there. Gates immediately detached Lieutenant- 
Colonel Woodford, at the head of the Maryland line, con- 
sisting of one hundred infantry, a company of artillery, 
with two brass field-pieces, and about three hundred North 
Carolina mihtia, to join Sumter, reduce the forts, and inter- 
cept the convoy. Gates prepared to support Sumter with 
his whole force, of about four thousand. 

But Cornwallis had anticipated this movement, and 
entered Camden the day previous, designing to attack 
Gates in his camp at Clermont. Botli generals put their 
armies in motion early in the evening of the 15th of August, 
and their advance parties met in the woods of Camden, 
about two o'clock in the morning of the 16th. A conflict 
ensued ; the Americans gave way in some disorder, but 



BATTLE OF CAMDEN. 1780. 171 

they soon recovered, and a skirmishing continued through 
the night. When morning appeared, both generals made 
their dispositions to contest the field. An action com- 
menced; the regular troops were firm, but the militia, being 
overpowered by the British bayonets, gave way, and dis- 
persed as they fled. The victory was complete, and the 
American general and his regulars were abandoned to their 
fate. Several parties of militia, who were advancing to 
join the army, turned their arms against the fugitives, and 
thus completed the overthrow. The pursuit continued for 
more than twenty miles, and the road was strewed with the 
fragments of this routed army, together with the wounded, 
the dead, and the dying. A party of horse, supported by 
two hundred infantry, at the distance of more than eighty 
miles from the scene of action, upon the first intelligence, 
abandoned their ground, and sought safety by flight. The 
brave Baron de Kalb fell in this action, much and deserv- 
edly lamented. He was at the head of the Maryland 
troops, and se^nd in command. Congress ordered that a 
monument should be raised to his memory at Annapolis. 

The British, however, reaped no permanent advantage 
from their victory at Camden. Their losses and want of 
supplies, in a sickly season, hindered them from following 
up the stroke. At length, in September, Cornwallis took up 
his march from Camden, towards Charlottetown, in North 
Carolina. To hold South Carolina in check, and to preserve 
the way open to retreat thither, if necessary, he had not 
contented himself with leaving a strong garrison in Charles- 
ton. Several detachments were distributed upon different 
points of the frontier. Colonel BroAvn was posted at Au- 
gusta, Cruger at Ninety-six, and Trumbull at Camden. 
Cornwallis then advanced with the main body of his army 
towards Columbia, while Tarleton, with the greater part 
of the cavalry, passed the Wateree, and ascended along its 
eastern bank. The two corps were to re-unite at Char- 
lottetown, where they arrived about the last of September. 
Cornwallis, however, soon perceived that he had under- 
taken a far more arduous enterprise than it had seemed at 
first. The inhabitants were not only hostile, but most 



172 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

vigilant and audacious in attacking detached parties, and 
cutting ofl' the British suppHes : hence the royaUsts could 
not sally into the open country, except in strong bodies. 
The American colonel, Sumter, always enterprising and 
prompt to seize any occasion for infesting the British, 
seemed to be everywhere at once upon the froiUiers of the 
two Carolinas. Another partisan corps, of similar charac- 
ter, had just been formed, under the direction of Colonel 
Marion. At length, Cornwallis received the alarming intel- 
ligence, that Colonel Clarke had assembled a numerous 
body of mountaineers, from the upper parts of the Caroli- 
nas, a most hardy and warlike race of men. The British 
thus found themselves surrounded by clouds of enemies, 
and more in the situation of a besieged army, than in that 
of troops marching upon an offensive expedition. 

Colonel Ferguson had been detached by Cornwallis to 
the frontiers of North Carolina, to encourage the tories to 
take up arms. A considerable number had repaired to his 
standard, but the greater part of them were the most prof- 
ligate and ferocious of men. Believing any enormity jus- 
tified by the sanction of their chief, they perpetrated the 
most atrocious and wanton cruelties, massacring indis- 
criminately almost every person that fell in their way, and 
laying waste the country with fire. These horrid excesses 
inflamed the coldest hearts with the desire of vengeance. 
The mountaineers were transported with fury, and de- 
scended into the low country in torrents, arming themselves 
with whatever weapons came within their reach, and 
foaming with rage at the name of Ferguson. With loud 
cries they called upon their chiefs to lead them upon the 
track of this bloody monster, that they might cause him to 
expiate the ravages and slaughter with which he had 
marked his career. Each of them carried, besides his arms, 
a wallet and a blanket. They slept on the naked eartli in 
the open air. The water of the rivulet slaked their thirst, 
and they fed on the cattle which they drove along with 
them, or the game they hunted in the forest. Thus they 
ranged the country, under seven or eight different leaders, 
everywhere demanding Ferguson with loud exclamations, 



BATTLE OF KINg's BIOUNTAIN. — 1780. ITS 

and at every step swearing to exterminate him from the 
face of the earth. At length their pursumg efforts brought 
them in sight of their enemy. 

On the hne which divides the two Carolinas, near the 
head waters of the Santee, is a woody height with a circu- 
lar base, called King's JMountain, which commands a wide 
plain surrounding it. Ferguson was found posted upon 
this height, waiting the approach of his enemies, whom he 
confidently expected to defeat and disperse, should they 
venture to attack him. The mountaineers were too thirsty 
for vengeance to practise any delay in the assault. They 
fell upon his troops at once, drove in the advanced guard, 
and then, formmg in several columns, rushed forward to 
attack the main body on the summit of the mountain. 
The attack and the defence were equally obstinate; the 
mountaineers, some from behind trees, and others under 
the cover of the rocks, maintained a brisk fire. At length 
a body of them arrived upon the brow of the eminence. 
The British repulsed them with the bayonet, but were the 
next moment attacked by another body which came up on 
another side. The bayonets were turned upon the new 
assailants, who receded in their turn, till the arrival of a 
third body gave the British a fresh occupation. In this 
manner, the battle was kept up for an hour, when the 
Americans summoned Ferguson to surrender. He obsti- 
nately refused, and the battle was renewed and continued 
till Ferguson was slain sword in hand. The summit of 
the mountain was now completely overrun by the Ameri- 
cans ; and his successor in the command, finding further 
resistance hopeless, advised his men to lay down their 
arms, which was done. » The carnage had been dreadful ; 
the killed and wounded amounting to five or six hundred 
on the part of the British. Two hundred escaped during 
the action. Eleven hundred prisoners and fifteen hundred 
stand of arms were taken. The loss of the Americans was 
trifling, with the exception of that of Colonel Williams, one 
of their leaders. The British prisoners were well treated, 
but the utmost severity was displayed toward the loyalists, 
several of whom were hung on the field of battle, as a repri- 
15* 



174 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. * 

sal for the execution of a number of the patriots who had 
been put to death in a similar manner by the loyalists at 
Camden, Ninety-six and Augusta. 

The effects of this victory were most important. The 
loss of the whole of Ferguson's corps was a severe blow to 
the British. The loyalists no longer manifested the same 
zeal to join the army of Cornwallis, and he found his forces 
diminishing. He was, in consequence, compelled to relin- 
quish for a time the invasion of North Carolina, where the 
American cause was decidedly in the ascendant. He 
therefore resolved to maintain himself in South Carolina 
till he could receive reinforcements. In November, Gen- 
eral Sumter defeated the British in two actions at Broad 
river and Blacks tock ; and with these successes the 
Americans closed the year 1780 in the Carolinas. 

Anecdotes of individual adventure and suffering often 
display, in a much more lively and impressive manner, the 
nature of hostile transactions, than general narratives of 
greater events. Among numerous others, we may select 
the capture of General Wadsworth, who commanded a 
body of Massachusetts state troops at Camden, in Maine, in 
1780. The time for which the men had enlisted having 
expired, Wadsworth dismissed them to their homes, reserv- 
ing only six as a guard. A neighboring inhabitant com- 
municated the knowledge of this to the officer who com- 
manded the British forces at Penobscot, and a body of 
twenty-five soldiers was secretly despatched to make 
Wadsworth prisoner. They landed within four miles of 
the general's quarters, concealed themselves in the house 
of a Methodist preacher, — a professed friend to him, but in 
reality a traitor, — and late at night suddenly attacked his 
house. The sentinel gave the alarm, and a soldier running 
out, the assailants got possession of the door, and entered 
the house. They soon overpowered the guard and became 
masters of all the premises, except the room in which the 
general with his wife and another lady had barricaded 
themselves. He had a pair of pistols, a blunderbuss 
and a musket, which he employed with great dexterity, 
being determined to defend his life to the last moment. 



ADVENTURES OF GENERAL WADSWORTH. — 1779. 175 

With the pistols and musket, which he discharged several 
times, he defended the window and door of the room, and 
drove away the enemy who were attempting to enter. 
He next resorted to his bayonet, with which he kept them 
at bay till he received a ball through his left arm, when he 
was forced to surrender. The house exhibited striking 
evidences of the severity of the conflict. Not a window 
had escaped destruction ; the doors were all broken down ; 
two of the rooms were set on fire, the floors covered with 
blood, and on one of them lay a brave old soldier, danger- 
ously wounded, and begging for death that he might be 
released from misery. The anxiety of the general's wife 
was inexpressible, and his own was greatly increased by 
the uncertainty of the fate of his little son, only five years 
old, who had been exposed to all the danger from the firing 
into the house ; he, however^ escaped unhurt. 

Wadsworth was at first exposed to great insult and 
abuse from his captors, who were enraged against him for 
his success in baffling their designs. He was marched 
ofl" to the British quarters, where he received more civil 
treatment, but was kept in close confinement. He 
requested to be exchanged or sent home on parole, but this 
was refused, and shortly after he learned that, on the retarn 
of a privateer then on a cruise, he was to be sent to 
England. Major Burton, another American prisoner, was 
confined in company with Wadsworth, and they resolved 
to attempt their escape. They were confined in a grated 
room in the officers' barracks within the fort. The walls 
of the fortress, exclusive of the depth of the ditch, were 
twenty feet high, and guarded with paling andchevauxde 
frise. Two sentinels kept watch over the prisoners, and 
all the issues of the fort were beset by guards. An escape 
seemed impossible. 

By great industry, seconded by the utmost caution, they 
succeeded in cutting through the wooden partition of their 
room, artfully concealing their work at the end of every 
day's labor. At the end of three weeks, the work was so 
far completed that an opening might be made whenever a 
favorable moment for escape offered. On the evening of 



176 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

the 18th of June, a heavy storm of rain, with thunder and 
hghtning, afforded them this opportunity. Under cover of 
the darkness of the night and the noise of the rain and 
thunder, they succeeded in breaking out of the room, 
traversed the passages of the building, and reached the 
wall of the fort. Here they were obliged to creep along 
among the sentry-boxes at the moment when the relief 
was shifting sentinel. Having gained a favorable spot on 
the top of the wall, they let themselves down by the rope 
which they had made by cutting their blankets into strips. 
They landed in safety, and groped their way in the thick 
darkness among the rocks, stumps, and bushes, till they 
reached the cove, which was a mile in breadth. By great 
good fortune the tide was out, leaving the water only three 
feet deep. Wads worth, who had lost his companion in the 
dark, crossed the water in safety, and, proceeding through 
the woods till about seven miles from the fort, had the good 
fortune to rejoin him. It was now necessary to cross the 
Penobscot river, which could not be forded, and, very 
fortunately, they found a canoe, with oars, on the bank, in 
which they immediately embarked. While on the river, 
they discovered a British barge, which had been sent from 
the fort in pursuit of them; but, by hard rowing, and taking 
advantage of their knowledge of the windings of the 
stream, they escaped the pursuit, and reached the western 
shore in safety. After wandering in the wilderness for 
several days and nights, exposed to extreme fatigue, and 
with no other sustenance than a little dry bread and meat, 
which they carried in their pockets, they reached the 
settlements on the river St. George, where they were safe 
from the pursuit of their enemies. 



CHAPTER IX. 

American Revolution. — Treason of Arnold — Caflure arid executionof 
Andre. — Adventures of Scrgearil-Major Champe — Arnold'' s invasion of 
Virginia — His marauding expedition to Connecticut — Capture of Neio 
London — Catastrophe of Fori Grisioold — Revolt of the Pennsylvania 
line — Foreign relations of the United States — Affairs in Florida and 
Louisiana — Capture of Mr. Laurens — Mission of John Adams ts 
Holland. 

During the year 17S0, an occurrence took place without 
a parallel in American history, and which was near lead- 
ing the affairs of the colonists to the brink of ruin. This 
was the treason of General Arnold, who deserted the 
American cause, sold himself to the enemies of his country, 
and engaged in the British service. He was a man with- 
out principle from the beginning; and, before his treachery 
was discovered, he had sunk a character, raised by impet- 
uous valor attended with success, without being the pos- 
sessor of any other intrinsic merit. He had accumulated 
a fortune by peculation, and squandered it discreditably, 
long before he formed the plan to betray his country. 
Montreal he had plundered in haste ; but in Philadelphia 
lie went to work deliberately to seize everything he could 
lay hands on, which had been the property of the disaf- 
fected party, and converted it to his own use. He entered 
into contracts for speculating and privateering, and at the 
same time made exorbitant demands on congress for com- 
pensation for his services. In his speculations he was 
disappointed by the common failure of such adventures; 
in the other attempt he was rebuffed and mortified by the 
commissioners appointed to examine his accounts, who 
curtailed a great part of his demands as unjust, and for 
which he deserved severe reprehension. Involved in debt 



178 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

by his extravagance, and reproached by his creditors, his 
resentment wronght him up to a determination of revenge 
for this pubhc ignominy. 

The command of the important post at West Point, 
on the Hudson, had been given to Arnold. No one sus- 
pected, notwithstanding the censures that had fallen upon 
him, that he had a heart base enough treacherously to 
betray his military trust. Who made the first advances 
to negotiation, is uncertain ; but it appeared, on a scrutiny, 
tha't Arnold had proposed overtures to Clinton, character- 
istic of his own baseness, and not very honorable to the 
British commander, if viewed apart from the usages of 
war, which too frequently sanction the blackest crimes. 
His treacherous proposals were listened to, and Clinton 
authorized Major Andre, his adjutant-general, a young 
officer of great integrity and worth, to hold a personal and 
secret conference with the traitor. Andre and Arnold had 




Old Fort FuUiam, West Poitit. 



kept np a friendly correspondence on some trivial matters, 
previous to their personal interview. Washington having 
been called by urgent business to Hartford, the conspira- 
tors considered this a good occasion for the accomplish- 
ment of their design. A meeting was agreed upon between 



TREACHERY OF ARNOLD. 1780. 



179 



Arnold and Andre. To effect this purpose, the British 
sloop of war Vulture moved up the Hudson to a conve- 
nient spot not far from West Point, and, on the 21st of Sep- 
tember. Andre landed from her and passed the night on 
shore in secret conference with Arnold. The dawn com- 
ing on before they had concluded their deliberations, Andre 
was concealed in the house of an American, named Smith, 
who was secretly a tory. The following night he attempt- 
ed to return to the Vulture, but the boatmen refused to 
take him on board, as she had shifted her position in con- 
sequence of the shot fired at her from the shore. It became 
necessary for him to take a land journey to New York. 
He disguised himself in Smith's clothes, having previously 
worn his regimentals, and, with a horse and passport, 
under the name of John Anderson, furnished him by 
Arnold, set out on his way down the river. He passed 
several guards and posts of the Americans, and already 
imagined himself out of danger, when accident, combined 
with his own want of caution, threw him unexpectedly 
into their hands. 




Capture of Andre. 

Three of the American militia, named John Paulding. 



180 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

David Williams and Isaac Van Wert, chanced to be recon- 
noitring the country in the neighborhood of Tarrytown, 
a village not far from the British posts, when Andre was 
passing through that place. One of them presented his 
musket and commanded him to stand, Andre, instead of 
producing his passport, most inconsiderately declared him- 
self a British officer, and requested not to be detained, as 
he had important business. They ordered him to dismount ; 
on which he exhibited Arnold's passport; but the militia 
men, being suspicious that something was wrong, took him 
aside among the bushes and proceeded to search him. 
They found papers concealed in his boots, and at once pro- 
nounced him a spy. Andre now discovered, for the first 
time, that he was in the hands of his enemies. He offered 
the men his gold watch, horse, and one hundred guineas, 
to be released. They replied that ten thousand guineas 
would not bribe them ; and immediately carried him off 
to Colonel Jameson, who commanded the advance post. 

On examining Andre's papers, they were found to con- 
tain, in the hand-writing of Arnold, the most exact accounts 
relative to the American forces, their numbers, equipments 
and magazines, the garrison of West Point, the various 
military positions, and the best modes of attacking them. 
Jameson was so dull a man that these overwhelming 
proofs never caused him to suspect Arnold's treachery. 
He sent the papers to General Washington, and at the same 
time despatched an express to Arnold, acquainting him that 
Anderson was taken, with his papers. Instead of keeping 
Andre in close custody, he sent him also to Arnold ; and 
these two conspirators would have made their escape to- 
gether, but for the presence of mind of Major Tallmadge, 
the second in command under Jameson, who, suspecting 
the treason of Arnold, prevailed upon his colonel to bring 
back the prisoner, before he had reached West Point. 
Arnold, the moment he received the letter announcing the 
capture oi Anderson, sprang up from the table at which he 
was seated at breakfast, ran down to the shore, and, throw- 
ing himself into a'boat, rowed on board the Vulture. Thus 
the author of this base scheme of treachery escaped, and 



TREACHERY OF ARNOLD. 1780. 181 

left the unfortunate instrument of his treason to expiate 
the crime with his Ufe. 

As soon as Andre found no hopes of escape remained 
for himself, he made a virtue of necessity, and announced 
himself as the adjutant-general of the British army. The 
whole plot was thus apparent. The public was struck with 
amazement. Nobody had ever suspected Arnold capable 
of such a deed of monstrous villany. The officers of the 
American army were in doubt whom they should trust, and 
Washington was filled with anxiety lest the plot should 
have extensive ramifications. After much investigation, 
however, it was satisfactorily ascertained that Arnold had 
no accomplices, and a sentiment of pious gratitude was 
.felt throughout the country, at the happy providence 
which had saved the nation in this perilous conjuncture. 

The traitor Arnold, immediately on his arrival on board 
the Vulture, had the eff"rontery to write a letter to Wash- 
ington, declaring that he abandoned the cause of the rev- 
olution out of pure pat7-iotism ! and declaiming against the 
ingratitude of the country, which had not rewarded him 
according to his deserts, — as if the American people had 
mountains of gold to heap upon him. He requested that 
his wife might be sent to him ; and, in a second letter, no 
less insolent, demanded the release of Andre. Mrs. Arnold 
was allowed to join her husband, but Andre was retained 
and put upon his trial before a court-martial, as a spy. 
Andre, disdaining all subterfuge and evasion, and studying 
only to place his character in a fair light, voluntarily con- 
fessed many facts which he might have kept secret. He 
made no attempt to palliate anything relating to himself, 
while he concealed with scrupulous nicety whatever might 
endanger the safety of others. The court were extremely 
struck with his candor and magnanimity, and showed how 
much they felt for his perilous situation. But, after a full 
examination of the circumstances, they declared, unani- 
mously, that Major Andre, having been taken in disguise, 
within the American lines, ought to be considered a spy 
from the enemy, and, conformably to the laws of war and 
the usage of nations, he ought to suffer death. Sir Henry 
16 



182 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



Clinton made the most unwearied etTorts to procure the 
release of Andre, but his arguments were entirely without 
weight, and his appeals to the humanity of Washington 
were judged to proceed with a very ill grace from the man 
under whose authority were perpetrated the horrors of the 
Jersey prison-ship. 




Major Andre. 

Andre was hanged as a spy, at Tappaan, on the hanks 
of the Hudson, on the 2d of October, 1780. The fortitude, 
equanimity and gentle deportment which he exhibited on 
tlie occasion, touched the hearts of the spectators. "Bear 
witness," said he, "that I die like a brave man." Thus 
perished, in the prime of life, ah accomplished and amiable 
man, who was esteemed and beloved wherever he was 
known. The stern rules of military discipline, and the 
safety of the country, allowed no mitigation of his hard 
fate, which called forth the sympathies both of his friends 
and enemies. They thought only of his youth, accom- 
plishments and amiable character, and were willing to 
overlook that he was rash and presumptuous, and had 
engaged in a desperate design which he had not the skill 
to accomplish. 



ADVENTURE OF CHAMPE. — 17S0. 183 

After the capture and conviction of Andre, Washington 
conceived the project of capturing Arnold, then in New 
York, and releasing Andre. He sent for Major Lee to his 
quarters, to consult with him on the subject, and procure 
a man for the dangerous enterprise. "I have sent for 
you," said Washington, "in the expectation that you have 
some one in your corps who is willing to undertake a deli- 
cate and hazardous project. Whoever comes forward will 
confer great obligations upon me personally, and, in behalf 
of the United States, I will reward him amply. No time 
is to be lost ; he must proceed, if possible, to-night. I in- 
tend to seize Arnold, and save Andre." Major Lee named 
a sergeant-major of his corps, by the name of Cliampe, — a 
native of Virginia, — a man full of bone and muscle, with a 
countenance grave, thoughtful, and taciturn, — of tried cour- 
age, and inflexible perseverance. Champe was sent for by 
Lee, and the plan proposed. This was, for him to desert — 
to escape to New York — to appear friendly to the enemy — 
to watch Arnold, and, upon some fit opportunity, with the 
assistance of some one whom Champe could trust, to seize 
him, and conduct him to a place on the river, appointed, 
where boats should be in readiness to bear thern away. 

Champe listened to the plan attentively ; but, with the 
spirit of a man of honor and integrity, replied — " that it 
was not danger nor difliculty that deterred him from 
immediately accepting the proposal, but the igtiominy of 
desertion ., and the hypocrisy of enlisting loith the enemy f^ 
To these objections Lee replied, that, although he would 
appear to desert, yet, as he obeyed the call of his com- 
mander-in-chief, his departure could not be considered as 
criminal, and that, if he sufl^sred in reputation for a time, 
the matter would one day be explained to his credit. As 
to the second objection, it was urged, that to bring such a 
man as Arnold to justice, — loaded with guilt as he was, — 
and to save Andre, — so young, so accomplished, so be- 
loved, — to achieve so much good in the cause of his coun- 
try, was more than sufficient to balance a wrong, existing 
only in appearance. 

The objections of Champe were at length surmounted, 



184 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

and he accepted the service. It was now eleven o'clock at 
night. With his instructions in his pocket, the sergeant 
returned to camp, and, taking his cloak, valise, and order- 
ly-book, drew his horse from the picket, and mounted, 
putting himself upon fortune. Scarcely had half an hour 
elapsed, before Captain Games, the officer of the day, 
waited upon Lee, who was vainly attempting to rest, and 
informed him that one of the patrol had fallen in with a 
dragoon, who, being challenged, put spurs to his horse and 
escaped. Lee, hoping to conceal the flight of Champe, or 
at least to delay pursuit, complained of fatigue, and told 
the captain that the patrol had probably mistaken a coun- 
tryman for a dragoon. Carnes, however, was not tlius to 
be quieted ; and he withdrew to assemble his corps. On 
examination, it was found that Champe was absent. The 
captain now returned, and acquainted Lee with the dis- 
covery, adding, that he had detached a party to pursue the 
deserter, and begged the major's written orders. After 
making as much delay as practicable without exciting 
suspicion, Lee delivered his orders — in which he directed 
the party to take Champe if possible. " Bring him alive," 
said he, " that he may suffer in the presence of the army ; 
but kill him if he resists, or if he escapes after being 
taken." 

A shower of rain fell soon after Champe's departure, 
which enabled the pursuing dragoons to take the trail of 
his horse, — his shoes, in common with those of the horses of 
the army, being made in a peculiar form, and each having 
a private mark, which was to be seen in the path. Mid- 
dleton, the leader of the pursuing party, left the camp a 
few minutes past twelve, so that Champe had the start of 
but little more than an hour — a period by far shorter than 
had been contemplated. During the night, the dragoons 
Avere often delayed in the necessary halts to examine the 
road ; but, on the coming of morning, the impression of the 
horse's shoes was so apparent, that they pressed on with 
rapidity. Some miles above Bergen, — a village three miles 
north of New York, on the opposite side of the Hudson, — 
on ascending a hill, Champe was descried, not more than 



ADVENTURE OF CHAMPE. 1780. 



185 



half a mile distant. Fortunately, Champe descried his 
pursuers at the same moment, and, conjecturing their 
object, put spurs to his horse, with the hope of escape. By- 
taking a ditferent road, Champe was, for a time, lost sight 
of — but, on approaching the river, he was again descried. 
Aware of his danger, he now lashed his valise, containing 
his clothes and,orderly-book, to his shoulders, and prepared 
himself to plunge into the river, if necessary. Swift was 
his flight, and swift the pursuit. Middleton and his party 
were withhi a few hundred yards, when Champe threw 
himself from his horse and plunged into the river, calling 




^iictiiture of Sergeant-Major Champe. 

aloud upon some British galleys, at no great distance, for 
help. A boat was instantly despatched to the sergeant's 
assistance, and a fire commenced upon the pursuers. 
Champe was taken on board, and soon after carried to 
New York, with a letter from the captain of the galley, 
stating the past scene, all of which he had witnessed. The 
pursuers, having recovered the sergeant's horse and cloak, 
returned to camp, where they arrived about three o'clock 
the next day. On their appearance with the well-known 
horse, the soldiers made the air resound with the acclama- 
tions that the scoundrel was killed. The agony of Lee, 
16* 



186 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

for a momentj was past description, lest the faithful and 
intrepid Champe had fallen. But the truth soon relieved 
his fears, and he repaired to Washington to impart to him 
the success, thus far, of his plan. 

Soon after the arrival of Champe in New York, he was 
sent to Sir Henry Clinton, who treated him kindly, but 
detained him more than an hour in asking him questions, 
to answer some of which, without exciting suspicion, re- 
quired all the art the sergeant was master of He suc- 
ceeded, however, and Sir Henry gave him a couple of 
guineas, and recommended him to Arnold, who was wish- 
ing to procure American recruits. Arnold received him 
kindly, and proposed to him to join his legion. Champe, 
however, expressed his wish to retire from war ; but as- 
sured the general, that, if he should change his mind, he 
would enlist. Champe found means to communicate to 
Lee an account of his adventures ; but, unfortunately, he 
could not svicceed in taking Arnold, as was wished, before 
the execution of Andre. Ten days before Champe brouglit 
his project to a conclusion, Lee received from him his final 
communication, appointing the third subsequent night for 
a party of dragoons to meet him at Hoboken, opposite New 
York, when he hoped to deliver Arnold to the officers. 
Champe had enlisted into Arnold's legion, from which time 
he had every opportunity he could wish to attend to the 
habits of the general. He discovered that it was his cus- 
tom to return home about twelve every night, and that, 
previously to going to bed, he always visited the garden. 
During this visit, the conspirators were to seize him, and, 
being prepared with a gag, they were to apply the same 
instantly. 

Adjoining the house in which Arnold resided, and in 
which it was designed to seize and gag him, Champe had 
taken off several of the palings and replaced them, so that 
with ease, and without noise, he could readily open his way 
to the adjoining alley. Into this alley he intended to con- 
\'^ey his prisoner, aided by his companion, one of two asso- 
ciates who had been introduced by the friend to whom 
Champe had been originally made known by letter from 



ADVENTURE OF CHAMPE. — 1780. 187 

the commander-in-chief, and with whose aid and counsel 
he had so far conducted the enterprise. His other associate 
was with the boat, prepared, at one of the wharves on the 
Hudson river, to receive the party. Champe and his friend 
intended to place themselves each under Arnold's shoulder, 
and thus to bear him through the most unfrequented alleys 
and streets to the boat, representing Arnold, in case of 
being questioned, as a drunken soldier, whom they were 
conveying to the guard-house. When arrived at the boat, 
the difficulties would be all surmounted, there being no 
danger nor obstacle in passing to the Jersey shore. These 
particulars, as soon as made known to Lee, were commu- 
nicated to the commander-in-chief, who was highly grati- 
fied with the much-desired intelligence. He desired Major 
Lee to meet Champe, and to take care that Arnold should 
not be hurt. 

The day arrived, and Lee, with a party of accoutred 
horses, (one for Arnold, one for the sergeant, and the third 
for his associate, who was to assist in securing Arnold,) 
left the camp, never doubting the success of the enterprise, 
from the tenor of the last received communication. The 
party reached Hoboken about midnight, where they were 
concealed in the adjoining wood — Lee, with three dragoons, 
stationing himself near the shore of the river. Hour after 
hour passed, but no boat approached. At length the day 
broke, and the major retired to his party, and, with his led 
liorses, returned to the camp, when he proceeded to head- 
quarters to inform the general of the much-lamented dis- 
appointment, as mortifying as inexplicable. Washington, 
liaving perused Champe' s plan and communication, had 
indulged the presumption, that, at length, the object of his 
keen and constant pursuit was sure of execution, and did 
not dissemble the joy which such a conviction produced. 
He was chagrined at the issue, and apprehended that his 
faithful sergeant must have been detected in the last scene 
of his tedious and difficult enterprise. 

In a few days, Lee received an anonymous letter from 
Champe's patron and friend, informing him, that, on the 
day preceding the night fixed for the execution of the plot, 



188 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

Arnold had removed his quarters to another part of the 
town, to superintend the embarkation of troops, preparing, 
as was rumored, for an expedition to be directed by him- 
self; and that the American legion, consisting chiefly of 
American deserters, had been transferred from their bar- 
racks to one of the transports, it being apprehended that if 
left on shore until the expedition was ready many of them 
might desert. Thus it happened that John Champe, in- 
stead of crossing the Hudson that night, was safely depos- 
ited on board one of the fleet of transports, from whence he 
never departed until the troops under Arnold landed in 
Virginia. Nor was he able to escape from the British army, 
until after the junction of Lord Cornwallis at Petersburg, 
when he deserted, and, proceeding high up into Virginia, he 
passed into North Carolina, near the Saura towns, and, 
keeping in the friendly districts of that state, safely joined 
the Americans soon after they passed the Congaree, in pur- 
suit of Lord Rawdon. His appearance excited extreme 
surprise among his former comrades, which was not a little 
increased when they saw the cordial reception he met with 
from the late major, now Lieutenant-Colonel Lee. His 
whole story was soon known to the corps, which repro- 
duced the love and respect of officers and soldiers, hereto- 
fore invariably entertained for the sergeant, heightened by 
universal admiration of his late daring and arduous attempt. 

Champe was introduced to General Greene, who very 
cheerfully complied with the promise made by the com- 
mander-in-chief, so far as in his power; and, having 
provided the sergeant with a good horse and money for his 
journey, sent him to General Washington, who munificently 
anticipated every desire of the sergeant, and presented him 
with a discharge from further service, lest he might, in the 
vicissitudes of war, fall into the hands of the enemy ^ when, 
if recognised, he was sure to die on a gibbet. 

In October, 1780, Clinton detached Arnold on a maraud- 
ing expedition, into Virginia, with about one thousand six 
hundred men, and a number of armed vessels. He laid 
waste the country upon James river, in several predatory 
excursions, until his progress was arrested by the appear- 



MASSACRE AT FORT GRISWOLD. 1780. 189 

ance of the French squadron from Newport. This fleet 
put an end to the ravages of Arnold, by capturing and 
destroying a very considerable part of his fleet ; and would 
have caused the destruction of the traitor, had not a British 
fleet appeared from New York, for the relief of Arnold, and, 
by a naval engagement ofl" the capes of Virginia with the 
French fleet, aflbrded him an opportunity to escape to New 
York. The French returned to Newport. 

Soon after Arnold's return from Virginia, he was de- 
spatched on a new excursion to Connecticut, his native 
state. His force consisted of two thousand infantry and 
three hundred cavalry, accompanied by forty ships and 
transports. He landed his troops at the moiUh of New 
London harbor, and proceeded to the town. Fort Trum- 
bull was in a condition to make but little resistance, but 
Fort Griswold, on the other side of the river, was bravely 
defended by Colonel Ledyard and a few militia, hastily 
collected. The assault on the fort was made by Colonel 
Eyre, who was three times repulsed, and, receiving a mortal 
wound, the command devolved on Major Bromfield, who, 
with a superior force, carried the place at the point of the 
bayonet. On entering the fort, the British officer inquired 
who commanded. Colonel Ledyard answered, "I did, 
sir, but you do now," and presented his sword as a 
prisoner. The British officer took it, and plunged it into 
the body of Colonel Ledyard. An indiscriminate slaughter 
immediately ensued, and seventy-three men were left dead 
in the fort, about forty wounded, and the same number 
taken prisoners. Arnold continued on the New London 
side, suffered the town to be plundered, and destroyed by 
fire sixty dwelling-houses and eighty-four stores, besides 
the shipping, naval stores, and a large amount of goods 
and provisions. The militia collected with great spirit and 
promptness to avenge the murder of their friends. The 
enemy became alarmed, and made a. hasty retreat, after a 
loss of two officers and forty-six soldiers killed, and eight 
officers and thirty-five men wounded. 

The vest Avorn by Colonel Ledyard at the time he was 
massacred, has been deposited with the Connecticut His- 



190 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

torical Society, at Hartford. The sword entered in front, 
near the heart, and passed entirely through his body. The 
two gashes, one in front, the other in the baclc of the vest, 
remain the same as when on the unfortunate victim. 

The most dangerous symptoms were exhibited in the con- 
duct of a part of the army, towards the end of the year 1780. 
The revolt of the whole Pennsylvania line spread a tempo- 
rary dismay throughout the country. On the 1st of January, 
1781, upwards of a thousand men, belonging to that portion 
of the army, marched in a body from the camp in the Jer- 
seys. Others, equally disaffected, soon followed them. 
They took post on an advantageous ground, chose for their 
leader a sergeant-major, a British deserter, and saluted 
him as their major-general. On the third day of their re- 
volt, a message was sent from the officers of the American 
camp ; this they refused to receive ; but to a flag which 
followed, requesting to know their complaints and inten- 
tions, they replied, that "they had served three years; 
that they had engaged to serve no longer ; nor would they 
return or disperse until their grievances were redressed and. 
their arrearages paid." 

General Wayne, who commanded the line, had been 
greatly beloved and respected by the soldiers, nor did he 
at first doubt but that liis influence would soon bring them 
back to their duty. He did everything in the power of a 
spirited and judicious officer to quiet their clamors, in the 
beginning of the insurrection ; but many of them pointed 
their bayonets at his breast ; told him to be on his guard ; 
that they were determined to march to congress to obtain 
a redress of grievances ; that though they respected him as 
an officer, and loved his person, yet, if he attempted to fire 
on them, "he was a dead man." Sir Henry Clinton soon 
gained intelligence of the confusion and danger into which 
the Americans were plunged. He improved the advanta- 
geous moment, and made the revoltcrs every tempting 
oflfer. But the intrigues of the British officers, and the 
measures of their commander-in-chief, liad not the smallest 
influence ; the revolted troops, though dissatisfied, appear- 
ed to have no inclination to join the British army. They 



REVOLT OF THE PENNSYLVANIA LINE. 1781. 



191 




/ //^^ 

General Wayne. 



declared, with one voice, that if there was an immediate 
necessity to call out the American forces, they would still 
fight under the orders of congress. Several British spies 
were detected, busily employed in endeavoring to increase 
the ferment, who were tried and executed with little core- 
mony. 

The prudent conduct of the commander-in-chief, and the 
disposition which appeared in government to do justice to 
their demands, subdued the mutiny. A committee was 
sent from congress to hear their complaints, and, as far as 
possible, to relieve their sufferings. Those whose term of 
enlistment had expired, were paid off and discharged ; the 
reasonable demands of others were satisfied ; and a general 
pardon was granted to the offenders, who cheerfully 
returned to their duty. But the contagion and mutinous 
example of the Pennsylvania line had spread in some de- 
gree its dangerous influence over other parts of the army. 
It operated more particularly on a part of the Jersey troops, 
soon after the pacification of the disorderly Pennsylvania 
soldiers, though not with equal success and impunity to 



192 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

themselves. A few of the principal leaders of the revolt 
were tried by a court-martial, and found guilty. As a 
second general pardon, without any penal inflictions, would 
have had a fatal effect on the army, two of them sufiered 
death for their mutinous conduct. This example of sever- 
ity put a period to every symptom of open revolt, though 
not to the silent murmurs of the army. They still felt 
heavily the immediate inconveniences of the deficiency of 
almost every article necessary to life ; they had little food 
and seldom any covering, except what was forced from 
the adjacent inhabitants by military power. 

France had acknowledged the independence of America; 
and the whole house of Bourbon now supported the claim 
of the United States, though there had yet been no direct 
treaty between America and Spain. It had been the general 
expectation, for some time before it took place, that Spain 
would soon nnite with France in support of the American 
cause. From this expectation, the Spaniards in South 
America had prepared themselves for a rupture a consid- 
erable time before any formal declaration of war had taken 
place. They were in readiness to take the earliest advan- 
tage of such an event. They had accordingly seized Pen- 
sacola, in West Florida, and several British posts on the 
Mississippi, before the troops stationed there had any inti- 
mation that hostilities were declared, in the usual style, 
between England and Spain. Don Bernard de Galvez, 
the Spanish governor of Louisiana, had proclaimed the 
independence of America, in New Orleans, at the head of 
all the forces he could collect, as early as the 19th of Au- 
gust, 1779, and had proceeded immediately to surprise and 
conquer, wherever he* could, the unguarded British settle- 
ments. The British navy, generally masters of the ocean, 
had, early after hostilities commenced, beaten some of the 
Spanish ships, intercepted the convoys, and captured or 
destroyed several of the homeward-bound fleets of mer- 
chantmen. But, by this time, the arms of Spain had been 
successful in several enterprises by sea. At the Bay of 
Honduras and in the West Indies, they also soon gained 
several other advantages. Galvez had concerted a plan 



CAPTURE OF MR. LAURENS. — 1780. 193 

with the governor of Havana, to surprise Mobile. He 
encountered storms, dangers, disappointments and difficul- 
ties, almost innumerable. This enterprising Spaniard 
recovered, however, in some measure, his losses; and 
receiving a reinforcement from Havana, with a part of 
the regiment of Navarre, and some other auxiliaries, he 
landed near Mobile, and reduced the whole province of 
West Florida, in May, 1781. 

It was, indeed, some time after the accession of Spain, 
that any other European power explicitly acknowledged 
the independence of the United States ; but Mr. Izard, who 
was sent by congress to Tuscany, and Mr. William Lee, 
to the court of Vienna, in 1778, inspired with that lively 
assurance which is sometimes the pledge of success, had 
met with no discouraging circumstances. Holland had a 
still more difficult part to act, than France, Spain, or per- 
haps any other European power, who actually had adhered 
to, or appeared inclined to favor, the cause of America. 
Her embarrassments arose in part from existing treaties 
with Great Britain, by Avhich the latter claimed the Dutch 
republic as their ally. 

The unfortunate capture of Mr. Laurens, the American 
envoy, prevented for a time all public negotiations with 
Holland. He had been vested with discretionary powers, 
and had suitable instructions given him, to enter into pri- 
vate contracts and negotiations, as exigencies might offer, 
for the interest of his country, until events had ripened for 
his full admission as ambassador of the United States of 
America. The British commander knew not the rank of 
his prisoner, until the packages, thrown overboard by Mr. 
Laurens, were recovered by a British sailor. Notwith- 
standing the resentment of the British envoy at the Hague, 
the conduct of the Dutch court remained for some time so 
equivocal, that neither Great Britain nor America were 
fully satisfied with their determinations. It is true, a 
treaty with the United States was for some time postponed; 
but the answer of the Dutch government to the remon- 
strances of Sir Joseph Yorke, the British envoy, not being 
sufficiently condescending and decided, his resentment 
17 



194 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

daily increased. He informed his court, in very strong 
terms, of the effect of his repeated memorials, of the con- 
duct of the Dutch government, and of that of the principal 
characters of the Batavian provinces. Great Britain soon 
after, in the recess of parliament, amidst all her other diffi- 
culties, at war with France, Spain and America, and left 
alone by all the other powers of Europe to decide her own 
quarrels, declared hostilities against the Netherlands ; and 
a long manifesto from the king was sent abroad in the lat- 
ter part of December, 1780. 

The capture of Mr. La.iwens was, however, no small 
embarrassment to the British ministry. Their pride would 
not sufler them to recognise his public character ; they 
dared not condemn him as a rebel ; the independence of 
America wa§ too far advanced, and there were too many 
captured noblemen and officers in the United States, to 
allow of such a step, lest immediate retaliation should be 
made. He was confined in the tower, forbidden the use 
of pen, ink, and paper, and all social intercourse with any 
one ; and was even interdicted converse with his young 
son, who had been several years in England for his edu- 
cation. 




^•^'^'''<iU^^X, J,,/^ ^^ -^- 



John Adams. 



MISSION OF JOHN ADAMS TO HOLLAND. 1780. 195 

Immediately after the news of the capture and imprison- 
ment of Mr. Laurens, the American congress directed John 
Adams, who had a second time been sent to Europe in a 
pubhc character, to leave France and repair to Holland, 
there to transact the affairs with the States-General, which 
had before been entrusted to Mr. Laurens. Mr. Adams' 
commission was enlarged. From a confidence in his tal- 
ents and integrity, he was vested Avith ample powers for 
negotiation, for the forming treaties of alliance and com- 
merce, or the loan of moneys, for the United States of 
America. Not fettered by precise instructions, he exer- 
cised his discretionary powers with judgment and ability. 
Thus, in strict amity with France and Spain — on the point 
of a treaty of alliance with the Batavian Republic — and in 
the mean time Sweden and Denmark balancing, and nearly 
determined on a connection with America, the foreign rela- 
tions of the United States, in general, wore a very favora- 
ble aspect. 




CHAPTER X. 

American Revolution. — Campaign in the south — General Greene ap- 
pointed to the cominand of the southern army — March of Cornwallis to 
North Carolina — Battle of Cowpcns — Defeat of PiWs tory regiment — 
Greeners retreat to Virginia — Battle of Guilford — March of Cornival- 
lis to Virginia — Clinton sends troops to the Chesapeake — Battle beliveen 
Greene and Rawdon — Devastations of the British in Virginia — Manoeu- 
vres of Steuben and La Fayette — Bold stratagem of General Wayne—' 
Greeners movements in South Carolina — Battle of Eutaw Springs — 
War in Virginia — Cornioallis fortifies himself in Yorktown — Wash- 
ington's dexterous manosuvres — Arrival of De Grasse's French fleet — 
Battle between De Grasse and Adrniral Graves — Siege of Yorktown — 
Surrender of Cormvallis — Campaign of Greene and Wayne in the 
south — Expulsion of the British from the Carolinas and Georgia. 

We must now resume our narrative of the campaign in 
the south. General Gates having retired from the service, 
General Greene was appointed, by congress, to succeed him. 
He immediately repaired to the scat of war, and exerted him- 
self to rally and concentrate the scattered forces of the Amer- 
icans. Early in January, 1781, Cornwallis moved from 
?iis camp at Winnesborough, and directed his march toward 
North Carolina, across the territory lying between Broad 
and Catawba rivers. To check his progress, the Americans 
decided to threaten the post of Ninety-six, at the same 
time that Colonel Morgan, with five hundred Virginia reg- 
ulars, some companies of militia, and Colonel Washington's 
body of ligVit-horse, were detached by Greene to guard the 
fords of the river Pacolet. Greene himself, took post on the 
Pedee, opposite Cheraw Hill. This division of his forces 
was judged very hazardous, as, if the British general 
had pushed onward, he miglit have thrown himself between 
the two parties and crushed each one separately, Greene, 
possibly, had the means of knowing that his enemy was not 



BATTLE OF COWPENS. — 1781. 197 

prepared for a rapid and decisive movement. Cornwallis, 
anxious for the safety of Ninety-six, ordered Tarleton, Avith 
his legion of cavahy and a body of infantry, to advance 
and cover that fortress. Tarleton, on arriving there, found 
everything quiet. The Americans had withdrawn, after 
some slight skirmishes ; on which he wheeled about and 
marched upon Morgan, confident of being able either to fall 
upon him by surprise and put him to the route, or at least to 
drive him beyond Broad river, which would have left the 
way clear for the royal army. Cornwallis, being apprized 
of his design, gave it his sanction, and lent his aid by 
moving up tiie left bank of the river to threaten Morgan's 
rear. The scheme at first promised fall success. Tarleton 
effected a quick and safe passage across the Ennoree and 
Tiger, and made his appearance on the banks of the Pacolet. 
Morgan retreated before him, and Tarleton closely pushed 
in pursuit. 

Morgan now found his situation critical, — an active and 
enterprising enemy pressing upon his rear, and a river in 
front. By retreating still farther, he was under the neces- 
sity of crossing the river in the face of the enemy. He 
determined, therefore, to make a stand and give him battle. 
He took post, January 17th, at the Cowp?ns, and drew up 
his troops in three divisions. The first, composed of 
militia, under Colonel Pickens, occupied the front of a wood 
in view of the enemy. The second, composed of regulars, 
under Colonel Howard, was concealed in the wood itself 
The third, consisting of Washington's cavalry, was posted 
behind the second division as a reserve. Tarleton, eager 
for the fight, and confident of victory, came up and formed 
in two lines, his infantry in the centre of each, and his 
cavalry on the flanks. Everything seemed to assure him 
the victory. He was superior in cavalry, and his troops, 
both officers and soldiers, manifested the greatest confidence 
and ardor. He began the attack upon the advanced body of 
the Americans with great spirit. The militia, as had been 
expected, made but a feeble resistance, and then broke and 
fled in confusion. Pursuing their advantage, the British 

then fell upon the second line, but here they made less 
17^ 



198 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

impression, and the battle raged fiercely, without any dis- 
position to yield on the part of the Americans. The British 
light horse made an attack upon Washington's cavalry, but 
were repulsed. Tarleton, finding now a more obstinate 
resistance in all quarters than he had anticipated, pushed 
forward a battalion of his second line, and, at the same time, 
directed a charge of cavalry upon the American right flank. 
The attack was pushed so vigorously that the American 
regulars gave way and were thrown into disorder. The 
British now imagined the day was their own, and rushed 
forward with their cavalry in pursuit of the fugitives, but 
Washington's troop, still in perfect order, and which had 
been waiting for the decisive moment, fell suddenly upon 
them with such impetuosity that he gave them an instant 
check. And now the tide of success began to turn. The 
militia had been rallied and brought back to the fight. 
Morgan was visible everywhere, and his presence and 
words reanimated the spirits of his soldiers. Taking 
advantage of a moment of enthusiasm, he urged them in 
one general and precipitate charge upon the enemy. The 
.shock was tremendous, and the J^ritish, astonished at this 
furious attack from an enemy whom they had thought 
utterly overthrown, at first paused and then everywhere 
gave way. In vain did their officers employ exhortation, 
prayers and threats to stay the fugitives ; they broke their 
ranks and fled in confusion, and the defeat of the British 
army was total. 

Such was the issue of the battle of Cowpens, one of the 
most obstinately contested conflicts of the whole Avar. 
Tarleton lost, in killed, wounded and prisoners, above eight 
hundred men, together with two pieces of cannon, the 
colors of the seventh regiment, and all his baggage and 
carriages. The effects of this victory were most decisive 
and important. The destruction of the best part of the 
British cavalry and tha total defeat of Tarleton, who had 
been, till that period, the terror of the whole southern coun- 
try, animated the Americans with fresh spirits. The loss 
of the horses was a most severe one to the British, as the 
face of the country, which is flat and open, renders cavalry 



DEFEAT OF COLONEL PILL. 1781. 199 

of the Utmost importance to a campaign in that quarter. 
The consequences of this battle were heavily felt by the 
British during the remainder of the war in the Carolinas 
and Virginia ; it was, in a word, decisive of the fate of those 
provinces. 

Cornwallis, irritated by this unexpected defeat, immedi- 
ately put his army in motion to pursue the victorious 
Americans. Greene, finding his forces insufficient to meet 
the enemy, retreated before him into Virginia. This retreat 
however, did not prove so beneficial to the royal cause as 
Cornwallis had anticipated, yet it caused the British to 
redouble their efforts in stimulating the inhabitants to take 
arms on their side. Cornwallis despatched Tarleton into 
the district between Haw and Deep rivers, to raise a corps of 
loyalists, who were represented as very numerous in that 
quarter. His exertions were not in vain. The family of 
Pill, one of the most considerable of the country, was also 
one of the foremost in setting this example. Already a 
colonel of that family had assembled a considerable body 
of his most audacious partisans, and was on his way to join 
Tarleton. But Greene, who was fully sensible how preju- 
dicial it would prove to the American cause if he suffered 
their arms to be weakened in North Carolina, and fearing 
the tories might revolutionize that province, had ordered 
Lee's cavalry to the banks of the Dan to counteract the 
efforts of the British. Lee made a rapid march and fell in 
with Colonel Pill's troops. These loyalists, totally unac- 
quainted Avith the profession of arms, took no precautions 
to reconnoitre the country on their march in order to obtain 
intelligence of their enemies, and, on the sight of Lee's 
troops, imagined they were Tarleton's corps. The Ameri- 
cans, who knew their business better, immediately charged 
them with great impetuosity. The loyalists, not yet dis- 
covering their mistake, shouted, "Long live the king!" 
but the fury of their assailants only raged the fiercer, and, 
in a few minutes, the few of them who survived were 
obliged to surrender. Thus these rash and hiexperienced 
men were led to slaughter by a hot-headed and presump- 



200 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

tuous chief, who had imagined that the spirit of party could 
supply the place of talent and knowledge. 

At the news of this catastrophe, Tarleton, who was in 
the immediate neighborhood, put his troops in motion, with 
intent to encounter Lee ; but an order of Cornwallis checked 
him and drew him back to Hillsborough. This was caused 
by a bold movement of Greene, who had re-crossed the 
Dan and again threatened to overrun North Carolina. He 
took post on the western bank of the river, toward the head 
streams of the Haw, in a strong position, to avoid the 
necessity of an immediate battle, as his reinforcements had 
not yet arrived. Cornwallis immediately quitted Hillsbo- 
rough, crossed the Haw, and detached Tarleton to scour 
the country as far as Deep river. The two armies were 
now separated only by the Haw, and daily skirmishes 
ensued. The two generals manoeuvred a long time with 
great ability, Cornwallis to bring his enemy to battle, and 
Greene to avoid it. The American was skilful enough to 
keep his antagonist at bay ; but toward the middle of 
March he received reinforcements of militia and regulars, 
and determined no longer to decline a decisive action, but, 
on the contrary, to march directly upon the enemy. He 
accordingly pushed forward his whole force, and took a 
position at Guilford Court House. 

Cornwallis immediately advanced to meet his antagonist. 
His army consisted of above two thousand four hundred 
veteran troops. The forces of Greene were much superior 
in number, but the greater part were militia. Not five hun- 
dred men in his army had ever seen service. All the adja- 
cent country was covered with thick woods, interspersed 
here and there with spots of cultivation. A gentle and 
woody declivity traversed and extended far on both sides 
of the great road which leads from Salisbury to Guilford. 
This road runs through the centre of the forest. In the 
neighborhood of Guilford were two open fields, of moderate 
extent, adapted to military evolutions. On the 15th of 
March, Greene had occupied, with a body of troops, a wood, 
covering the slope of an eminence, and likewise drawn up 



BATTLE OF GUILFORD. 1781. 201 

a portion of his army in the contiguous plain. In this 
position he designed to receive the enemy. His order of 
battle was in three divisions ; the first, composed of North 
Carolina militia, under Generals Butler and Eaton, was 
posted toward the foot of the hill on the edge of the forest. 
Its front was covered by a thick hedge, and two pieces of 
cannon defended the great road. The second division 
comprised the Virginia militia, under Generals Stevens 
and Lawson, and was formed in the woods parallel to the 
first, about eight hundred yards in the rear. The regu- 
lars, under General Huger and Colonel Williams, filled 
the plain which extends from the forest to Guilford. This 
ground permitted them to manoeuvre. Two other pieces 
of cannon, planted upon an eminence which covered their 
flank, commanded also the highway. Colonel Washington, 
with his dragoons and Linch's riflemen, flanked the riglit 
wing; and Colonel Lee, with a detachment of light infan- 
try and the dragoons of Campbell, the left. 

Cornwallis drew up in the following manner ; General 
Leslie, with an English regiment and the Hessian regiment 
of Boze, occupied the right of the first line; and Colonel 
Webster, with two English regiments, the left. A bat- 
talion of guards formed a reserve to the first, and another 
to the second. The artillery and grenadiers marched in 
close column in the great road, where Tarleton was also 
posted with his legion, but with orders not to move, except 
upon emergency, until the infantry, after having carried 
the wood, should advance into the plain behind it, where 
cavalry could act. The battle began by a brisk cannon- 
ade on both sides. The British then, leaving their artillery 
behind, rushed forward through the fire of the enemy into 
the intermediate plain. The Carolina militia at first stood 
fire, but, on being charged with the bayonet, broke their 
ranks and fled. The British then assailed the Virginia 
militia, who maintained their ground longer, but at length 
fell back. The British, having gained the open ground, 
next attacked the American regulars, but here they met 
with a firm resistance, and Leslie, finding he could make 
no impression upon the American left, sheltered his men 



202 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

behind a ravine. The action was supported in the centre 
with great fury. Stewart, with the British guards and 
grenadiers, had fallen so fiercely upon the Delaware troops, 
that he had broken their line and taken two pieces of can- 
non, but the Marylanders came promptly to their assist- 
ance, and not only restored the battle, but forced the British 
to recoil in disorder. At this moment Washington's cav- 
alry came up and charged them with such impetuosity 
that he put them to flight, with great slaughter, and 
recovered the two cannon. Colonel Stewart, who com- 
manded this body of British, was killed. 

Had the Americans promptly taken advantage of this 
success, by planting their artillery on the hill bordering the 
great road, they would at once have cut the left wing of the 
enemy off from the centre and right, and obtained a decisive 
victory. But instead of taking possession of the height, they 
contented themselves with the advantage they had gained, 
and repaired to the posts they had previously occupied. 
The British at once saw this oversight, and lost no time 
in placing their artillery upon the hill, from which they 
poured in a destructive fire upon the American regulars. 
This turned the fortune of the day. The British centre 
and left rallied, and a charge was made upon the American 
flank. The whole weight of the battle now fell upon the 
American regulars, who, finding themselves assailed on 
diflerent sides, began to think of retreat. They withdrew 
step by step, without breaking their ranks, and still pre- 
serving a manacing attitude. They were obliged, how- 
ever, to abandon their cannon. The British then advanced 
and charged General Greene's right wing, which was forced 
to give way. The Americans no longer contested the 
field, and withdrew about three miles from the scene of 
the battle, where they halted to take care of their wounded 
and collect their scattered forces. 

The Americans lost thirteen hundred men, in killed and 
wounded and prisoners, in this obstinate conflict. The 
loss of the British exceeded six hundred. Cornwallis 
remained master of the field, but, except the honor of the 
victory, he reaped no advantage from his success. Tho 



CAMPAIGN IN SOUTH CAROLINA. — 1781. 203 

loss of SO many of his veteran troops could not be repaired. 
Greene withdrew, nnmolested, behind Reedy Fork, while 
the British general, from the fatigue of his soldiers, the 
multitude of his wounded, and the strength of the new 
position which the Americans had taken, could not pursue 
him with any hope of success. Greene moved from Reedy 
Fork, and encamped at the Iron Works on Troublesome 
Creek. Cornwallis became embarrassed by the refusal of 
the inhabitants to join his standard after the battle of 
Guilford ; his provisions also failed him, and he fell back 
upon Bell's Mills, on Deep river, abandoning a great part 
of his wounded to the care of the Americans. He soon 
decamped from this neighborhood, and marched with all 
possible expedition towards the eastern parts of North 
Carolina. He found many difficulties in his way, but 
pursued his route with great perseverance. His army 
cheerfully sustained the severest fatigue ; but, as they had 
frequently done before, they marked their way with the 
slaughter of the inhabitants, through a territory of many 
hundred miles in extent from Charleston to Yorktown. It 
was afterwards computed that fourteen hundred widows 
were made, during this year's campaign only, in the dis- 
trict of Ninety-six. A detail of all the small rencounters 
tliat took place this year in both the Carolinas, would only 
fatigue the reader. It is enough to observe that the Amer- 
icans, under various leaders, were continually attacking, 
with alternate success and defeat, the chain of British 
posts planted from Cam^^en to Ninety-six ; and as Greene 
liimself expressed his sentiments in this embarrassed situa- 
tion, "We fight, get beaten; rise and fight again; the 
whole country is one continued scene of slaughter and 
blood." Fierce encounters were still kept up between the 
British detachments posted on advantageous heights, and 
on the banks of deep and unfordable rivers which inter- 
sected each other, and the hardy chieftains who led the 
Carolinian bands over mountains, declivities, swamps and 
rivers, to the vicinity of Charleston. Thence they were 
often obliged to retreat back from the borders of civiliza- 
tion, again to seek safety in the dreary wilderness ; until 



204 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

the British, wearied by a constant course of harassing 
conflicts, at length drew in their outposts, and concentrated 
their forces. 

In the mean time, Chnton had detached a fleet from New 
York, with fifteen hundred troops on board, to cooperate 
with Cornwalhs. The troops were landed in Chesapeake 
Bay, and committed the most alarming depredations. In- 
effectual attempts were made to dislodge them. A move- 
ment was now made, by Greene, towards South Carolina. 
He boldly advanced, and gave battle to Lord Rawdon, 
who was in the vicinity of Camden, on the 25th of April. 
A desperate contest ensued, and victory was doubtful. 
Both withdrew from the conflict, and left the field covered 
with the dead. Ilawdon retired to Camden, and strength- 
ened his position. Greene advanced, and, by a desperate 
assault, was on the point of carrying the strong fortress of 
Ninety-six, the reduction of which would have recovered 
all South Carolina, except Charleston. At this critical 
moment, Lord Rawdon put himself at the head of seven- 
teen hundred fresh troops, then arrived from Ireland, and, 
by forced marches, advanced to the relief of Ninety-six. 
The approach of this force compelled Greene to abandon 
the assault, when engaged hand to hand with the enemy, 
and when victory was ready to decide in his favor. The 
general drew off his army towards Camden, in good order. 
The British pursued, but Greene eluded them, by filing 
off towards Charleston, and taking a strong position upon 
the hills of Santee. Rawdon retired to Charleston. 

The war, during these operations in the south, raged 
in Virginia. The British were under the command of 
General Phillips, and the ravages of the enemy exceeded 
all description. At Petersburg, they destroyed all the ship- 
ping and about four hundred hogsheads of tobacco. At 
Osborn's Mills, they took two ships and ten smaller vessels, 
laden with cordage, flour, &c. Four ships and a number 
of smaller vessels were burnt or sunk, besides many others 
destroyed by the Americans, to prevent their falling into 
the hands of the enemy, together with about three thousand 
hogsheads of tobacco, April 27. On the 30th, they pene- 



Wayne's movements in Virginia. — i78i. 205 

trated to Manchester, and destroyed twelve hundred hogs- 
heads more ; thence they proceeded to Warwick, and laid 
waste the shipping, both in the river and on the stocks ; also, 
extensive rope-walks, tanneries, warehouses, and maga- 
zines of flour, mills, <fcc., in one general conflagration, and 
then embarked on board their shipping. 

The Baron Steuben, with a small American army, op- 
posed this party, but his force was insufficient to make any 
serious impressions. La Fayette was detached with troops 
to assist him ; but such was the state of the military funds, 
that, when he arrived in Baltimore, he was obliged to bor- 
row two thousand guineas, on his own responsibility^ to 
enable him to proceed. On the strength of this, he advanced 
to Richmond, where he joined the baron, with the Virginia 
militia, and covered Richmond. Here he watched the move- 
ments of the enemy, though too weak to check all their 
operations. On the 9th of May, General Phillips entered 
Petersburg, where he died on the 13th. 

Cornwallis had advanced from Guilford to Wilmington, 
and left Greene in the rear. From Wilmington he ad- 
vanced to Petersburg, where he found eighteen hundred 
troops, and, being thus reinforced, he advanced towards 
Richmond, in order to dislodge La Fayette. Flushed by 
recent triumphs, in a letter to Sir Henry, he thus wrote, 
"The boy cannot escape me." He did escape, however, 
and evacuated the place on the 27th of May. On the 7th 
of June, General Wayne joined La Fayette, with eight 
lumdred of the Pennsylvania militia. While on the 
march, however, supposing the main army of Cornwallis 
had crossed the river James, he attacked what he sup- 
posed to be the rearguard, when, to his surprise, he found 
the general at the head of the army, ready to receive him. 
Finding no time was to be lost, he advanced to the charge, 
at the head of his column, in gallant style. The conflict 
was sharp, and, availing himself of his first impression, he 
hastily withdrew, leaving the general as much astonished 
as he found him. He retreated in good order, without 
pursuit, as Cornwallis probably concluded that it was 
IS 



206 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

an ambuscade. The British retired in the night, and 
marched to Portsmouth. 

Meantime, Greene, at his post on the heights of the 
Santee, was not inactive. He made great exertions to 
strengthen his army by new recruits, and to disciphne the 
whole force by frequent manoeuvres. The mihtia of the 
surrounding districts, resorted, in great numbers, to his 
standard, and he felt himself sufliciently strong for active 
operations. In tlie beginning of September, the intense 
heats having subsided, he moved forward, with a design 
to expel the British from the posts they occupied in the 
interior of South Carolina. Taking a circuitous course 
toward the upper Congaree, he crossed that stream, and 
descended rapidly along the western bank, with all his 
forces, to attack the British post near the confluence of 
that river with the Santee. Colonel Stuart, who com- 
manded the troops at this place, finding the American 
army superior to his own, especially in cavalry, retreated 
to Eutaw Springs, where he threw up works. Greene 
pursued him to this place, and, on the 8th of September, a 
severe battle was fought. 

T'he Americans marched to the attack in three lines, the 
advance being composed of the Carolina militia, the second 
line of regulars, and the reserve comprising Washington's 
dragoons and the Delaware militia. Colonel Lee, with his 
legion of cavalry, covered the right flank, and Colonel 
Henderson the left. The British troops were drawn up 
in two lines; the vanguard being defended on the right by 
the little stream of the Eutaw, and the left resting upon a 
thick wood. The second line, forming a reserve, Avas sta- 
tioned upon the heights commanding the Charleston road. 
After some skirmishing between the irregulars of both 
armies, the engagement became general and was main- 
tained, for a considerable time, with balanced success. At 
length the Carolina militia broke and retired in disorder. 
The left of the J^ritish quitted its position to pursue them, 
causing a gap in their front line. Greene, perceiving his 
advantage, pushed forward his second line, and charged 



BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRING. — 1781. 207 

the enemy so vigorously that they were thrown into dis- 
order, and began to retreat. To complete their route, Lee, 
with his cavalry, turned their left flank and attacked them 
in the rear. The whole left wing of the British now took 
to flight; the right only held firm. Greene brought up the 
regulars, and attacked it briskly in front, while Washing- 
ton's dragoons fell upon the flank. The British now gave 
way in all quarters, and retreated in haste and disorder to 
their intrenchment. Several cannon and a great number 
of prisoners fell into the hands of the Americans. The 
victory seemed to be fully accomplished. 

But in the moment of anticipated victory, an unexpected 
rally of the enemy checked the Americans in the full tide 
of success. The British, in their flight, had the presence 
of mind to throw themselves into a very large and strong 
house, where they made a desperate defence. A body of 
them took shelter in a thick and almost impenetrable brush- 
wood, and another in a garden fenced with palisades. 
Here the battle recommenced, with more fury than at first. 
The Americans made the bravest and most persevering 
attempts to dislodge the enemy from these new posts. They 
brought up four pieces of artillery and commenced batter- 
ing the house. Colonel Washington attempted to penetrate 
the wood, and Lee endeavored to force the garden; but 
their efforts were vain. The British repulsed them with 
great slaughter, and Washington was wounded and taken. 
Stuart rallied his right wing, pushed it forward, and by a 
circuitous movement gained the left flank of the Americans. 
Greene was now convinced that it was impossible to make 
any further impression upon the enemy ; he therefore, put 
an end to the carnage, by drawing oft" his troops. The 
Americans returned to their first encampment, carrying oflT 
most of their wounded, and five hundred prisoners; but 
losing two pieces of cannon. 

The battle of Eutaw was one of the most hard-fought 
contests that took place during the whole war. The 
American troops exhibited uncommon valor. Impatient 
to close with their enemies, they promptly resorted to the 
bayonet, which they had seemed to dread at the commence- 



208 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

ment of hostilities ; but which was now become a formi- 
dable weapon in their hands. The British, on their part, 
defended their posts with great resolution. The Americans 
lost, in killed, wounded and prisoners, six hundred men. 
The loss of the British was much greater; and, on the 
night of the following day, they abandoned their entrench- 
ments, and retreated down the river to Monk's Corner, 
having destroyed their magazines and thrown into the rivor 
a great quantity of arms. Congress voted public thanks 
to those who had distinguished themselves in this battle, 
and presented to General Greene a gold medal and one of 
the captured standards. 

The grand operations of the war were now about to be 
transferred to Virginia. The Americans had no consider- 
able army in that state. Washington lay in his canton- 
ments about New York, where the hostile attitude of Clinton 
demanded his constant vigilance. With these inviting 
prospects, Cornwallis marclied from Wilmington, in April, 
1781, and, with some occasional resistance from small par- 
ties of the Americans, reached Petersburg, in Virginia, on 
the 20th of May. Here he was joined by the British forces 
under General Philips, and shortly after by a reinforcement 
of fifteen hundred men from New York. 

Cornwallis now found himself at the head of an army 
amounting nearly to ten thousand men, — a force suffi- 
ciently formidable to bear down all opposition. The troops 
of the Americans did not exceed three thousand men, two 
thirds of whom were militia. These were commanded by 
La Fayette, who retired as Cornwallis advanced. After 
crossing James river, the British marched and counter- 
marched for some weeks. They took Charlotteville, and 
destroyed a great quantity of stores. Cornwallis then fell 
back upon Richmond, and, on the 26th of .lune, retreated 
to Williamsburg. La Fayette had the address to make 
his force appear much greater than it really was ; and, by 
keeping in an imposing attitude, he compelled his adver- 
sary to act with caution. Many skirmishes took place, 
but no decisive action ensued. About the 1st of July, 
Cornwallis received letters from Chnton, stating his fears 



WAR IN THE SOUTH. — 1781. 209 

of being attacked in New York, and requesting a rein- 
forcement from the army of Cornwallis. He recommended 
that tlie troops remaining in Virginia should take post in 
some strong situation till the danger at New York had 
passed. To comply with these suggestions, Cornwallis 
resolved, to retreat toward the shores of the Chesapeake. 
Portsmouth, near Norfolk, where the British had a strong 
garrison, was first fixed upon as the station for the army ; 
but, on account of the fleet, Yorktown was afterward found 
a preferable spot. The troops were, therefore, removed 
from Portsmouth to Yorktown, and here the whole British 
army fortified themselves in July, 1781. The detachment, 
however, to reinforce Clinton was not sent away. Corn- 
wallis expected to be further strengthened by the speedy 
arrival of a British squadron from the West Indies. 

Washington, in the mean time, had been eyeing the 
movements of Cornwallis, in the south, with great anxiety. 
During the early part of the season, he had hopes of strik- 
ing an important blow, by attacking New York, in con- 
junction with the French land and sea- forces and a strong 
body of militia, to be suddenly raised for that purpose. 
The failure of several of the states to forward their militia 
in season, and the arrival of three thousand German troops 
at New York, caused this design to miscarry. Washing- 
ton felt the deepest mortification at this disappointment ; 
yet, before long, he had cause to regard it as one of the 
most fortunate events of his life. He was soon enabled 
to employ his army with the most brilliant success in 
another quarter. 

Early in August, intelligence was received that a pow- 
erful French fleet, under the Count de Grasse, was to sail 
immediately from the West Indies for the Chesapeake, 
with several thousand land troops on board. Washington 
now saw an opportunity for making a most important 
change in the campaign. Cornwallis had shut himself up 
in Yorktown, and Washington discerned at once the pos- 
sibility of uniting his army with the French in Virginia, 
and overpowering his enemy at a single stroke. This plan 
required great skill and address ; but the American cora- 
18* 



210 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

mander accomplished it with an ahihty that has seldom 
been equalled. To abandon the neighborhood of New 
York, with all his forces, would lay the country open to 
the incursions of the strong British army in that city; but 
a stratagem of Washington obviated the danger from this 
source. He wrote letters to the officers at the south, stat- 
ing his inability to assist them with any part of his army, 
as he was about to make an immediate attack on New 
York. These letters were intercepted by the British, as 
had been foreseen, and Clinton was completely deceived as 
to the real intentions of Washington. Fearing an immedi- 
ate attack, he dared not send aid to Cornwallis, but left 
that officer to his fate. 

Washington, by a variety of well-combined mancBUvres, 
kept New York and its dependencies in a continual state 
of alarm for several weeks, when, towards the end of Au- 
gust, judging that the proper conjuncture had arrived, he 
suddenly broke up his camp, made a rapid march across 
the .Terseys and Pennsylvania, to the head waters of the 
Chesapeake, embarked the army in boats, descended the 
bay, and landed safely in Virginia. He reached Williams- 
burg on the 14th of September. 

In the mean time, the fortunate arrival of a French fleet 
under tlie Count de Grasse, in the Chesapeake, on the 30th 
of August, hastened the decision of important events. No 
intelligence of this had reached New York ; nor could any- 
tliing have been more unexpected to the British admiral, 
Sir Samuel Hood, who arrived soon after in the Chesa- 
peake, than to find a French fleet, of twenty-eight sail of 
the line, lying there in perfect security. About the same 
time, near twenty British ships of the line, from the West 
Indies, joined the squadron imdcr Admiral Craves, before 
New York. This fleet sailed for the Chesapeake, and 
entered the bay six days after the arrival of the Count de 
Grasse. The French squadron had not been discovered 
by the British commander, nor had he gained any intelli- 
gence that Count de Grasse was on the American coast, 
until the morning of the 5th of September, when the Eng- 
lish observed them in full view within Cape Henry. The 



SIEGE OF YORKTOWN. — 1781. 211 

fleets were nearly equal in strength, and a spirited action 
ensued. Equal gallantry was exhibited on both sides, but 
neither could boast of victory. Both squadrons were con- 
siderably injured, and one British seventy-four was ren- 
dered totally unfit for service, and set on fire by the crew. 
The English, indeed, were not beaten, but the French 
gained a double advantage ; for while the Count de Grasse 
remained at a distance, watched by the British navy, he 
secured a passage for the fleet of the Count de Barras from 
Rhode Island, and gained to himself the advantage of 
blocking up the Chesapeake against the enemy. Barras 
brought with him the French troops from Rhode Island, 
amounting to about three thousand men. These joined 
La Fayette, whose numbers had been greatly reduced. 
This reinforcement enabled him to support himself by de- 
fensive operations, until, in a short time, they were all 
united under the command of the Count de. Rochambeau. 
The British fleet continued a few days in the Chesapeake. 
Their ships were so much injured, that a council of war 
pronounced it necessary to return to New York. 

In the mean time, Clinton wrote letters, full of specious 
promises, to buoy up the hopes of Cornwall is by strong 
assurances that no time should be lost in sending forward 
a force sufiicient for his relief He informed him that a 
fleet, under the command of Lord Digby, who had recently 
arrived at New York, would sail for the Chesapeake by the 
5th of October; that Clinton himself was nearly ready to 
embark with a large bodj^ of troops. These flattering 
assurances from the commander-in-chief indaced Corn- 
wallis to avoid a general action. His situation had been 
for some time truly distressing. Embarrassed between his 
own opinion and the orders of his superiors, flattered by 
the promise of timely relief, in such force as to enable him 
to cope with the united armies of France and America, 
he waited the result, and would not suffer himself to be 
impelled by any circumstances to risk his army beyond the 
probability of success. The mouth of the river at York- 
town was blocked up by the French fleet ; the American 
army, in high health and spirits, strengthened by daily 



212 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

recruits, led on by Washington, in conjunction with a 
French army, under Rochambeau, an officer of courage, 
experience, and ability, were making rapid advances. On 
the 28th of September, they left Williamsburg, and on the 
6th of October, twelve thousand strong, they opened their 
trenches before Yorktown. 

On the 9th, the American batteries began to play upon 
Yorktown, with twenty-four eighteen and ten inch mor- 
tars, which continued through the night. The next morn- 
ing the French opened a destructive fire from their batteries, 
without intermission, for about eight hours; and on the 
succeeding night, a terrible fire was kept up from the whole 
line, without intermission, until morning. The horrors of 
this scene were greatly heightened by the conflagration of 
two British ships, set on fire by the shells of the allies and 
consumed in the night. The next morning, October 11th, 
the allies opei\ed their second parallel, at the distance of 
two hundred yards, and another British ship was consumed 
by their shells. On the 14th, Washington ordered two 
battalions to advance to the second parallel, and begin a 
large battery in the centre and in advance. The enemy 
met this movement with an incessant fire from two re- 
doubts, in advance of their works, as well as from their 
whole line, that continued through the night. Washing- 
ton detached La Fayette in the morning, at the head of 
the American light infantry, supported by the Baron Vio- 
menil from the line of the French, to advance and storm 
these redoubts, which had so annoyed them through the 
night. Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton commanded the van 
of the corps. The redoubt was promptly carried by La 
Fayette, at the point of the bayonet, but the captives were 
spared. The Marquis sent his aid, Major Barbour, through 
the whole line of the enemy's fire, to notify the Baron Vi- 
omenil of his success, and inquire where he Avas, to which 
the Baron repUed, "I am not in my redoubt, but shall be 
in five minutes." In five minutes his redoubt was carried. 

On the morning of the 16th, Cornwallis detached Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Abercrombie, at tlie head of four hundred 
men, upon a sortie, to destroy two batteries the allies had 



SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS. 1781. 213 

erected in llie night. He succeeded, and spiked the can- 
non. The French suffered severely in the defence of these 
works ; but the Britisli gained no permanent advantage. 
On the afternoon of the same day, the alhes opened 
their batteries, covered with about one hundred pieces of 
heavy cannon, and such was their destructive fire, that the 
British hues were soon demolished and silenced. Alarmed 
for his safety, Cornwallis now prepared to retire ; his boats 
were collected, and a part of his army was embarked across 
to Gloucester Point, opposite to Yorktovvn, then under the 
command of Lieu tenant- Colonel Tarleton ; but a violent 
storm suddenly arose, which defeated the plan, and it was 
with the greatest difficulty that the British could recover 
their boats, 

Cornwallis now, seeing that all hope of succor or escape 
was vain, and that there was nothing left but submission, 
requested a parley, on the 18th, for twenty-four hours, 
and that commissioners might be appointed to arrange arti- 
cles of capitulation. Washington consented, and commis- 
sioners were appointed accordingly. On the 19th the arti- 




Surrender of Curnwalhs. 



cles were signed, and the whole British army marched out, 
pTisojiers of war. The same terms were prescribed by the 
commissioners to Lord Cornwallis, that had been prescribed 



214 AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 

to General Lincoln, at Charleston, just eighteen months 
before. Lincoln was then refused the honors of war, and on 
this occasion he was deputed to receive the sword of his 
lordship. Thus the mission of the Marquis La Fayette to 
France, in the winter of 1779-1780, was consummated by 
the fall of the hero of the south, at Yorktown. Cornwallis 
pressed hard for permission to embark the British and 
German troops to Europe, under suitable engagements not 
to serve during the war; also, that the. tories might be 
protected ; but both were refused. His lordship was, how- 
ever, indulged with the permission that the Bonetta sloop 
of war might pass unsearched ; and many of the most 
obnoxious tories escaped from the rage of their injured and 
insulted countrymen. 

Seven thousand troops, with one thousand five hundred 
seamen, were taken prisoners with Cornwallis; together 
with one frigate of twenty-four guns, besides transports, 
(twenty of which had been sunk or otherwise destroyed,) 
seventy-five brass and sixty-nine iron ordnance, howitzers 
and mortars ; also a military chest containing two thousand 
pounds sterling, which, trifling as it was, could not fail to 
be acceptable to the army. The ships Avere given to the 
French. 

Washington closed this glorious scene at Yorktown by 
publishing to the army, both officers and soldiers, in general 
orders, the grateful effusions of his heart. He ordered the 
whole to be assembled in divisions and brigades, to attend 
to divine service, and render thanks to that God who had 
given them the victory. Congress received the letter of 
Washington on the 24th, announcing the capture of the 
British army, with the most cordial satisfaction, and imme- 
diately resolved to move in procession, at two o'clock, to the 
Lutheran church, and return thanks to Almighty God, for 
crowning with success the allied arms of America and 
France. Congress next resolved, that a proclamation be 
issued for the religious observance of the 13th of December, 
then next, as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, 
throughout the United States. 

Thus joy, gratitude, and praise to God were united, and 
became miiversal, and swelled with transports every patri- 



THE BRITISH EXPELLED FROM THE SOUTH. — 1782. 215 

Otic breast throughout United America. Congress resolved, 
on the 25th, " that thanks be presented General Washing- 
ton, Count de Rochambeau, Count de Grasse, and the 
officers of the different corps, and the men under their com- 
mand, for tlieir services in tlie reduction of Lord Corn- 
walhs." They next resolved, "that a marble column be 
erected at Yorktown, adorned with emblems commemora- 
tive of the alliance between the United States and his most 
Christian Majesty, and inscribed with a succinct account 
of the surrender of the Britieh army;" and "that two 
stands of colors be presented to General Washington, and 
two pieces of ordnance be by him presented to Count de 
Rochambeau, as trophies of their illustrious victory ; and 
that the Chevalier de la Luzerne be requested to inform 
his most Christian Majesty, that it was the wish of congress 
that Count de Grasse might be permitted to accept the 
same testimonials with the Count de Rochambeau. 

Rochambeau, with his army, took up his winter quarters 
in Virginia; but the troops under the command of St. 
Simon were embarked for the West Indies, and the Ameri- 
can troops returned to their former stations, excepting such 
cavalry and infantry as were necessary to the service of 
General Greene; these were sent forward in November, 
under the command of General St. Clair, to cooperate in 
the southern war. The French fleet sailed at the same 
time for the West Indies, and the operations of the season 
were generally closed. Washington retired to Philadelphia, 
to give repose to his mind, as well as to confer with con- 
gress upon the future exigencies of the nation. 

Greene, in the mean time, continued posted on the high 
liills of Santee, and, after the captiire of Cornwallis, a re- 
inforcement from Washington's army was despatched to 
him under General Wayne. Strengthened by this force, 
he took up his march for Georgia. The British abandoned 
their posts as he advanced, and laid waste the country. 
The Creek Indians also made irruptions, and harassed the 
state, but Wayne defeated them, and put them to the rout. 
After many military manoBuvres the British abandoned 
Georgia in July, and the Carolinas in December, 1782, 



CHAPTER XI. 

American Revolution. — Obstinacy of George III. — Effects of the sur- 
render of CormvalHs — Opposition in parliament — Change of ministry 
— Sir Guy Carleion appointed to the command in America — Negotia- 
tions at Paris — Peace betiveen tlie United States and Great Britain — 
General pacification in America and Europe — Treatment of Am.erican 
prisoners by the British — The Jersey prison-ship — Depreciation of the 
continental currency — Discontents of the army — Mutiny of the Penn- 
sylvania line — Outrage co?nmitted upon congress — Decisive measures of 
Washington — The army disbanded — Washington resigns his commis- 
sion. 

From the beginning of the revolutionary contest, George 
the Third had been most obstinate and uncompromising in 
his opposition to the Americans. Even the capture of 
Cornwalhs did not bring him to reason, and, in his speech to 
parhament, he still urged hostile measures for putting down 
what he called the " spirit of rebellion." But the nation 
liad at last begun to open its eyes to the monstrous folly of 
the American war. Army after army had laid down their 
arms before the victorious Americans. Millions upon mil- 
lions of treasure had been wasted in vain efforts to bring 
them again under the British yoke, yet the attempt was 
now more desperate than ever. The embarrassments of 
trade and commerce, caused by the long war, were felt 
more and more severely every day, and the opposition in 
parliament grew so formidable, that Lord North's cabinet 
saw plainly their administration was approaching its end. 
At length the house of commons votecl an address to the 
king, requesting him to put an immediate end to the war in 
America. Further resolves in parliament, condemning the 
conduct of the ministry, completed the overthrow of Lord 
North, and, on the 22d of March, 1782, he resigned his 
place of prime minister. 



THE ROCKINGHAM ADMINISTRATION. — 1782. 



217 



The Marquis of Rockingham succeeded him, and a new- 
cabinet, friendly to the cause of American independence, 
was immediately formed; one of the members of which 




Charles James Fox. 



was Charles James Fox, who had been one of the most 
powerful among the whig leaders in parliament. Military 




Sir Guy Carleton. 

operations in America were immediately suspended, and as 
one earnest of the sincerity of this resolution, the command 
19 



218 AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 

of the British forces in America was taken from Sir Henry 
Chnton, and given to Sir Guy Carleton, who was directed 
to advance the wishes of the British government for an 
accommodation with the United States. Agreeably to his 
instructions, Sit Guy proposed a correspondence with con- 
gress, and sohcited of the commander-in-chief a passport 
for his secretary. This was however refused, as the United 
States had stipulated not to negotiate without the consent 
of the French government. 

As soon as information of the capture of Cornwallis was 
received at the French court, the government proposed to 
congress the immediate appointment of commissioners to 
treat of peace. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John 
Jay, and Henry Laurens, were accordingly chosen. These 
were met by Mr. Fitzherbert and Mr. Oswald, at Paris, on 
the part of Great Britain. Negotiations were opened with 
the American ministers, and at length, on the 30th of 
November, 17S2, provisional articles of peace between 
Great Britain and America were signed. By these articles, 
the independence of the states was fully acknowledged. 
The definitive treaty between Great Britain and the United 
States was signed at Paris, on the 3d of September, 1783, 
by Messrs. Franklin, Adams and Jay, on the part of 
America, and David Hartley, on the part of Great Britain. 
A treaty of peace between Great Britain, Spain and Hol- 
land, was also concluded on the same day. Peace had 
been signed with France on the 20th of January, 1783. 
Thus, a final close was put to the war, both in Europe 
and America, at the loss of an immense extent of territory 
to Great Britain, together with fifty thousand men, who 
perished by the various calamities of war, and the expen- 
diture of not less than one hundred millions sterling. All 
this enormous loss might have been prevented by a reason- 
able degree of moderation in conceding the just demands 
of the colonists at the beginning of the troubles. The 
measures of the British cabinet were conceived in. igno- 
rance, executed with rashness and obstinacy, and led to 
final calamity and disgrace. 

The treatment of the Americans, when taken prisoners, 



THE JERSEY PRISON-SHIP. 1782. 219 

leaves a dark stain on the character of the British com- 
manders in America. The common usages of war are 
sufficiently cruel ; but the Americans were considered as 
rebels, and exposed to brutal cruelties, at which humanity- 
shudders. They were tortured with every species of suf- 
fering, to induce them to enter the royal service ; and hun- 
dreds submitted to death rather than bear arms against 
their country. The Jersey prison-ship has acquired a 
most melancholy fame. This vessel was stationed in East 
river, at New York, and was employed chiefly for the 
imprisonment of seamen. Several affecting narratives are 
extant, written by the sutTerers in this dismal hulk. Their 
details fill our hearts with sorrow, and arouse our indig- 
nation at the barbarity of men, who, calling themselves 
Christians, practised cruelties more wanton than those of 
savages. During the last six years of the war, upwards 
of eleven thousand prisoners died on board the Jersey, the 
greater number in consequence of inhuman treatment. 
For years their bones lay in heaps on the shore of Long 
Island, as the British seldom took care to bury the bodies 
of their victims. Some years ago these bones were col- 
lected into one place, and a monument erected over them. 
The history of this pile stamps with indelible disgrace the 
name of Sir Henry Clinton. 

But although the war was at an end, the country was 
left in a state of painful embarrassment The history 
of the continental paper currency presents us the most 
remarkable facts. One of the first acts of the congress 
which assembled immediately after the battle of Lexington, 
was to emit bills to the amount of two millions of dollars, 
which circulated freely, like gold and silver, throughout 
the country, though nobody knew when or how they were 
to be redeemed. Within about a month, another million 
was issued. This had equal success, and, on the 10th of 
June, 1776, three millions more were added. Paper money 
now answered every purpose of specie, and millions after 
millions, at different dates, were put forth, as the exigencies 
of the colonies required new funds. No reflecting man 
could indulge an expectation that these bills would ever 



220 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

be paid; yet such was the patriotism of the inhabitants, 
that whoever pretended to doubt their value was regarded 
as disaffected to the cause of freedom ; and it is indispu- 
table that, without these paper dollars, the revolutionary 
war could never have been carried on. But the immense 
quantities which continued to be uttered by congress, 
added to the counterfeits on an enormous scale by the 
British, caused, before long, a depreciation in their current 
value. Towards the end of 1777, they passed at the rate 
of two or three for one in silver. In 1778, they were five 
or six for one ; in 1779, twenty- seven and twenty-eight 
for one; in 1780, fifty or sixty for one; from this it de- 
clined to several hundred for one, till, toward the close of 
the year, they were dropped by common consent. 

During this rapid depreciation, new issues were contin- 
vially made, though the value realized by the government 
did not correspond to the nominal amount of the emissions, 
as they were obliged to issue them, in the first instance, at 
the current rate of depreciation. Between four and five 
hundred millions were thus put into circulation from first 
to last, not one of which was ever redeemed. There is no 
example, in the history of the world, of a financial scheme 
so bold and successful as this. When the paper ceased to 
circulate, every one was convinced of the necessity of the 
measure, and no person regretted it, or seemed to feel its 
loss. It is true, each man was ostensibly some dollars 
poorer than before ; but the loss of a heap of worthless 
paper, which could no longer serve any useful purpose, 
restored a confidence in mercantile transactions, that was 
of far higher value than the number of dollars it repre- 
sented. No stagnation of business, nor symptom of what 
is called in modern phrase a "pressure in the money mar- 
ket," followed this surprising revolution in the finances of 
the country. As for the final redemption of the bills, every 
person saw its utter impossibility. 

Yet, when it became necessary to disband the army, the 
most alarming embarrassments arose in consequence of 
this singular state of aff'airs. The country possessed no 
means of paying the soldiers, and they uttered loud mur- 



THE ARMY DISBANDED. 1783. 221 

murs. A committee from the army waited on congress 
and represented their grievances and claims. The discon- 
tent among the ranks was further increased by inflamma- 
tory writings, circulated anonymously, calling upon the 
soldiers not to desist from their claims while they had 
arms in their hands. Washington made every exertion 
to quell the rising discontents, but the mutinous spirit was 
. so strong that no efforts could hinder it from breaking out 
into open violence. On the 20th of June, 1783, a body of 
Pennsylvania troops, with some others, marched from Lan- 
caster to Philadelphia, where congress were sitting, sur- 
rounded the State-house, and threatened the members with 
the last degree of outrage, unless their demands were 
granted in twenty-four minutes. This gross insult was 
resented by congress with proper spirit and self-respect. 
They refused to listen to the demands of the mutineers, 
and resolved to remove from Philadelphia to Princeton, 
where they might pursue their deliberations in safety. 
Washington took the proper steps to suppress and punish 
the mutineers. He despatched a body of fifteen hundred 
men, under General Robert Howe, who quickly reduced 
the malecontents to obedience, without bloodshed. Meas- 
ures were then taken by congress to provide for paying the 
army. There was no national treasury, and the only 
expedient was, to grant certificates to the soldiers, to the 
amount of their wages, which were to be paid at a future 
time. By this method they were dismissed, and in some 
degree satisfied. 

The discontent of the soldiery led to no further acts 
of violence, and the farewell orders of Washington were 
issued to the army on the 2d of November, 1783, from 
which the following is a selection : — ■ 

" A contemplation of the complete attainment, at a period 
earlier than could have been expected, of the object for 
which we contended against so formidable a power, can- 
not but inspire us with astonishment and gratitude. The 
disadvantageous circumstances, on our part, under which 
the war was undertaken, can never be forgotten. The 
signal interpositions of Providence, in our feeble condition, 
19* 



222 AMERICAN " REVOLUTION. 

were such as could scarcely escape the attention of the 
most unobserving, while the unparalleled perseverance of 
the armies of the United States, through almost every pos- 
sible suffering and discouragement, for the space of eight 
long years, was little short of a standing miracle." His 
closing words are, — " and being now to conclude these his 
last public orders, to take his ultimate leave, in a short 
time, of the military character, and to bid adieu to the 
armies he has so long had the honor to command, he can 
only again offer in their behalf his recommendations to 
their grateful country, and his prayers to the God of armies. 
May ample justice be done them here, and may the choicest 
of Heaven's favors, both here and hereafter, attend those 
who, under the divine auspices, have secured innumerable 
blessings for others ! With these wishes, and this bene- 
diction, the commander-in-chief is about to retire from 
service. The curtain of separation will soon be drawn, 
and the military scene to him will be forever closed." 

The army was now disbanded by the proclamation of 
congress, of which Dr. Thatcher gives the following sketch, 
with the parting scene between General Washington and 
his officers :— '' Painful, indeed, was the parting scene ; no 
description can be adequate to the tragic exhibition. Both 
officers and soldiers, long unaccustomed to the affairs of 
private life, turned loose on the world to starve, and to 
become a prey to vulture speculators. Never can that 
melancholy day be forgotten, when friends, companions 
for seven long years in joy and in sorrow, were torn asun- 
der, without the hope of ever meeting again, and with 
prospects of a miserable subsistence in future. Among 
other incidents, peculiarly affecting, on this occasion, were 
the lamentations of women and children, earnestly entreat- 
ing that those with whom they had been connected in the 
character of husband and father, would not withdraw from 
them the hand of kindness and protection, and leave them 
in despair ; but, in several instances, the reply was, ' No ; 
we took you as companions during the war, and now we 
are destitute of the means of support, and you must pro- 
vide for yourselves.' " 



THE ARMY DISBANDED. 1783. 223 

On the 25th of November, 1783, the British army evac- 
uated New York, and the American troops, under General 
Knox, took possession of the city. Soon after, Washing- 
ton and Governor Clinton, with their suite, made their 
pubhc entry into the city on horseback, followed by the 
lieutenant-governor and the members of council for the 
temporary government of the southern district, four abreast; 
General Knox, and the officers of the army, eight abreast ; 
citizens on horseback, eight abreast; the speaker of the 
assembly, and the citizens on foot, eight abreast. The 
governor gave a public dinner, at which the commander- 
in-chief and other general officers were present. The 
arrangements for the whole business were so well made 
and executed, that the most admirable tranquillity suc- 
ceeded through the day and night. On Monday the gov- 
ernment gave an elegant entertainment to the French 
ambassador, the Chevalier de la Luzerne. Washington, 
the principal officers of New York state and of the army, 
and upwards of a hundred gentlemen, were present. Mag- 
nificent fireworks, infinitely exceeding everything of the 
kind before seen in the United States, were exhibited at the 
Bowling Green in Broadway, on the evening of Tuesday, 
in celebration of the definitive treaty of peace. They 
commenced by a dove descending with the olive branch, 
and setting fire to a marron battery. 

On Tuesday noon, December 4th, the principal officers 
of the army assembled at Francis' tavern, to take a final 
leave of their much-loved commander-in-chief Soon after, 
Washington entered the room. His emotions were too 
strong to be concealed. Filling a glass, he turned to them 
and said: " With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now 
take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter 
days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones 
have been glorious and honorable." Having drank, he 
added, "I cannot come to each of you to take my leave, 
but shall be obliged to you if each of you will come and 
take me by the hand." General Knox, being nearest, 
turned to him. Incapable of utterance, Washington, in 
tears, grasped his hand, embraced and kissed him. In the 



224 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

same affectionate manner he took leave of each succeeding 
officer. In every eye was the tear of dignified sensibility, 
and not a word was articulated to interrupt the eloquent 
silence and tenderness of the scene. Leaving the room, 
he passed through the corps of light infantry, and walked 
to AVhite-Hall, where a barge waited to convey him to 
Paulus' Hook. The whole company followed in mute and 
solemn procession, with dejected countenances, testifying 
feelings of delicious melancholy, which, no language can 
describe. Having entered the barge, he turned to the 
company, and, waving his hat, bade them a silent adieu. 
They paid him the same affectionate compliment, and, 
after the barge had left them, returned in the same solemn 
manner to the place where they had assembled. ' The pas- 
sions of human nature were never more tenderly agitated 
than in this interesting and distressful scene. 

Congress was now in session at Annapolis, to whom, on 
the 23d of December, the commander-in-chief resigned his 
commission. The governor, council, and legislature of 
Maryland, several general officers, the consul general of 
France, and numerous citizens of Annapolis, were present. 
The members of congress were seated, and covered, as 
representatives of the sovereignty of the Union ; the spec- 
tators were Uncovered, and standing. The general was 
introduced to a chair by the secretary, who, after a decent 
interval, ordered silence. A short pause ensued, when 
Thomas Mifflin, the president, informed the general, that 
" the United States, in congress assembled, were prepared 
to receive his communications;" — on which he rose, with 
dignity, and delivered this address : — 

" Mr. President — The great events on which my resig- ' 
nation depended having at length taken place, I now have 
the honor of offering my sincere congratulation to congress, 
and of presenting myself before them, to surrender into 
their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the 
indulgence of retiring from the service of my country. 

" Happy in the confirmation of our independence and 
sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the 
United States of becoming a respectable nation, I resign 
with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with diffi- 



WASHINGTON RESIGNS HIS COMMISSION. 1783. 225 

dence ; a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so ardu- 
ous a task, Avhich, however, was superseded by a confi- 
dence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the 
supreme power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven. 

" The successful termination of the war has verified the 
most sanguine expectations ; — my gratitude for the interpo- 
sitions of Providence, and the assistance I have received 
from my countrymen, increase with every review of the 
momentous contest. 

" While I respect my obligations to the army in general, 
I should do injustice to my own feelings, not to acknowl- 
edge, in this place, the peculiar services and distinguished 
merits of the persons who have been attached to my person 
during the war. It was impossible the choice of confiden- 
tial officers, to compose my family, should have been more 
fortunate. Permit me, sir, to recommend in particular 
those who have continued in the service to the present 
moment, as worthy of the favorable notice and patronage 
of congress. I consider it as an indispensable duty to close 
this last solemn act of my official life, by commending the 
interests of our country to the protection of Almighty God, 
and those who have the superintendence of them, to his 
holy keeping. 

"Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire 
from the great theatre of action ; and bidding an affection- 
ate farewell to this angust body, under whose orders I have 
long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave 
of all the employments of public life." 

"When accepting his commission, congress, through their 
president, expressed in glowing language to Washington 
their high sense of his wisdom and energy, in conducting 
the war to so happy a termination, and invoking the 
choicest blessings upon his future life. 

President Mifflin concluded as follows : " We join you 
in commending the interest of our country to the protection 
of Almighty God, beseeching Him to dispose the hearts and 
minds of its citizens to improve the opportunity afforded 
them of becoming a happy nation ; and our prayers for 
you, sir, that your days may be happy, and He will finally 
give you that reward which this world cannot give." 



CHAPTER XII. 

The Confederation. — Washington retires to private life — State of the 
country — Defects of the old confederation — Embarrassments after the ter- 
mination of the loar — Foundation of the Order of Cincinnati — Trouble 
in the Eastern Slates — Insurrection of Shays — The militia of Massa- 
chusetts raised — Affair of Springfield — Defeat of the insurgents — 
Tranquillity restored — Plan for a new federal governtncnt — Convention 
of Philadelphia — Formation of the Federal Constitution — Washington 
elected president — His tour through the country — Hamilton^ s financial 
system — United States Bank established — Vermont admitted ijito the 
Union — First census — Indian ivar — Defeat of St. Clair — Wayne^s 
campaign — Defeat of the Indians — Treaty of Grenville — The Whiskey 
Insurrection in Pennsylvania — Commencement of the French Revolu- 
tion — Arrival of Genet in the United States — His extraordinary beha- 
vior and recall — Jm/'s treaty — Adams elected president — Hostility of 
the French Directory — Capture of the Insurgente — Peace with France — 
Death of Washington. 

The American army being disbanded, the soldiers, 
covered with honorable scars, returned quietly to their 
homes. Washington, refusing alike public honors, titles 
and pay, withdrew to the abode of private retirement, at his 
farm at Mount Vernon ; and the world saw, with astojiish- 
ment and admiration, an army and its chief voluntarily 
lay down their arms, after seven years' service, with the 
only remuneration for their labors which arose from the 
consciousness of having established the liberties of their 
country. The United States had now an independent 
national existence, yet the general government had no con- 
solidation or permanent system. The states during the 
war had adhered to each other by the pressure of a com- 
mon danger, and the authority of congress, although rest- 
ing solely on the spontaneous consent of the several bodies 
which formed the confederacy, was found sufficient for the 



THE ORDER OF THE CINCINNATI. — 1783. 227 

common purposes of war. It was very clear to all think- 
ing men that such a system of administration could not be 
permanent, and that, being the growth of a sudden neces- 
sity, it must perish when the exigencies that called it into 
existence, had passed away. 

Yet, after the return of peace, an attempt was made to 
continue the government of the confederation. Money for 
public purposes was raised by congress in annual requisi- 
tions upon the states, while each state collected its own 
revenue by taxation, customs, &c. Endeavors also were 
made to establish relations with foreign countries by the 
authority of congress. John Adams was sent as American 
minister to the court of Great Britain, in 1785, but although 
he was amicably received, it was found impossible to effect 
a commercial treaty or to raise a loan, as the government 
of the states had no efficient head or proper organization. 
The defects of the government soon began to be felt in 
commercial embarrassments and financial perplexities. 
Foreign trade declined, money was scarce, property of 
every kind depreciated in value, and the country sunk into 
wide-spread and deep distress. A treaty of amity and 
commerce Avas arranged between Prussia and the United 
States, in 1785, but, from the causes above specified, it led 
to no perceptible benefit to the country. 

Before the army was disbanded, the officers instituted a 
society, at their camp on the Hudson, designed to perpetu- 
ate the friendship they had mutually contracted in their 
warfare for liberty. In honor of the Roman patriot, Cin- 
cinnatus, who, after leading his countrymen to victory, 
retired voluntarily to his farm, they named it the Society 
of Cincinnati. The principle of hereditary transmission 
was adopted, and the "Order of the Cincinnati" was to 
descend to the eldest son of each member, in regular suc- 
cession, like an order of nobility. So wide a departure 
from republican notions, raised a serious clamor, not only in 
America, but among liberal men in Europe. Much public 
discussion was the consequence, and the genius of Mira- 
beau was called forth in an essay against the hereditary 
principle of the Cincinnati. So strong a disapprobation 



228 THE CONFEDERATION. ' 

caused the society to abolish this anti-repubhcan feature 
of their constitution, and very few members of the " Order 
of Cincinnati" are in existence at this day, — sixty years 
from its foundation. 

The unsettled state of public affairs soon led to domestic 
troubles. The New England states being the most densely 
peopled, felt most deeply the pressure of the times. New 
Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut were agitated 
by the most alarming symptoms of discontent. In Massa- 
chusetts the troubles were exasperated to a public and 
hostile outbreak, known as Shays' rebellion. Seditious 
movements were made in the western counties, where the 
people imagined the courts of law to be an insufferable 
grievance. Inflammatory writings were circulated, tu- 
multuous assemblies held, and at length the malecontents 
found a leader in Daniel Shays, a minor officer in the revo- 
lutionary army. He collected an armed body of several 
tliousand men, at Springfield, in the winter of 1786, who 
threatened to march to Boston, and, by compulsory mea- 
sures, to oblige the general court to redress the grievances 
of the people, Avhich they alleged were brought upon them 
by enormous taxation and other severities. They, how- 
ever, thought proper to send forward a petition, instead of 
marching, sword in hand, to the capital ; which, had they 
done in a prompt and unscrupulous manner, there seems 
little doubt they would have taken possession of Boston, 
and dispersed the legislature. 

Shays, however, possessed none of the qualities for a 
revolutionary leader. He made a feeble attempt upon the 
arsenal at Springfield, on the 25th of January, 1787, but 
General Shcpard, who commanded a body of militia 
stationed to guard it, dispersed the whole band of insur- 
gents by a single discharge of cannon. Meantime, the 
militia of the eastern counties were called out by Governor 
Bowdoin, and placed under the command of General 
Lincoln. The insurgents, with Shays at their head, took 
possession of a hill at Pelham. Lincoln marched against 
them, and Shays, finding his condition desperate, attempted 
to open a negotiation. He had a force of two thousand 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 1787. 229 

men about the 1st of February, but, after a few weeks, 
they began to abandon him, and Lincohi, being reinforced, 
advanced to the attack. Shays retreated, and was pursued 
through a most severe snow-storm, and, at Petersham, 
Lincoln overtook him and put his whole force to the rout. 
Some other skirmishes took place during the latter part of 
February, but the rebels were entirely defeated, and Shays 
was driven out of the state. Tranquillity was restored in 
a few weeks, and Shays, some time afterward, received a 
pardon from the government. 

Every judicious man in the country now saw the neces- 
sity of a new form of general government for the states. 
The first proposal of a federal system was made by Mr. 
Madison, in the legislature of A^irginia. This proposal was 
encouraged by men of influence in every quarter of the 
country, and was received with such general favor as to 
bring forth a resolution in congress, recommending a con- 
vention of delegates to be held at Philadelphia, on the 
second Monday in May, 1787, for the purpose of remodel- 
ing the government. Accordingly, delegates were chosen 
by all the states, and met in convention at the time and 
place appointed. Washington was president of the con- 
vention. The labors of that important assembly continued 
through four months; but as the debates were carried on with 
closed doors, we have lost a most valuable and interesting 
portion of our history. At length the Constitution of the 
United States was completed — that scheme of govern- 
ment, under which the American republic arose to wealth, 
po^ver and national glory, with a rapidity unexampled in 
• the history of the world. 

Yet this noblest and wisest political institution that 
mankind had yet seen, found its enemies. The anti-fed- 
eralists, or opponents of the constitution, formed a strong 
party. With some, this opposition arose from a sincere 
apprehension of the danger of a consolidated federal gov- 
ernment, with a single cliief, who, it was feared, would be 
too much of a king. Even the sagacious Patrick Henry 
declared that the constitution had "an awful squinting 
towards monarchy ! " Others opposed it from the mere 
20 



230 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



spirit of contradiction, or a factious desire to perpetuate 
the troubles and perplexities of the old system, as desperate 
men find most profit in desperate times. But the federal- 
ists were much the stronger party, and, fortunately for the 
country, their superior talents, influence and respectability 
brought the minds of the people to incline decidedly in favor 
of the federal constitution. John Adams, residing in Lon- 
don as American minister, published, in 1787, a most able 
work, entitled " Defence of the American Constitution." 
Madison, Hamilton and Jay wrote the " Federalist," a 
series of essays, displaying, with great acuteness, the ex- 
cellencies of the new system. These writings had a pow- 
erful effect, and before the 14th of July, 1788, ten of the 
states pronounced in favor of it, and on that day it was 
ratified by congress, and the American Republic was es- 
tablished. The remaining states shortly after joined the 
federal union. New York acceded on the 2(7th of July, 
1788, North Carolina, in November, 1789, and Rhode 
Island, in May, 1790. It had been settled that the con- 
stitution should go into operation on the 4th of March, 1789. 
All the elections were held the year previous. 




Inauguration of Washington. 

There could be but one voice as to the man who should 
receive the honor of being the first president of the United 



Washington's administration. — 1789. 231 

States. George Washington was chosen unanimously. 
John Adams was vice-president. Washington felt great 
reluctance at accepting the powers and responsibilities of 
so high an office, but the wish of his countrymen was to 
him a command. The first congress was convened at 
New York, on the 4th of March, and proceeded without 
delay to raise a revenue by imposing duties on importa- 
tions ; to constitute a federal judiciary by establishing a 
supreme court; to organize the executive administration, 
by creating the departments of war, foreign affairs and the 
treasury. Jefferson was appointed secretary of state ; 
Hamilton, secretary of the treasury; and General Knox, 
secretary at war. It must strike the reader as most re- 
markable, that the American republic, which, in a few 
short years, was destined to become a first-rate naval 
power, and to carry her flag to the most remote corners of 
the ocean, did not at this period possess a single ship of 
war. There was, of course, no navy department. After 
the adjournment of congress, the president made a tour 
through New England, where he was received by the in- 
habitants with an affection bordering on adoration. People 
of all classes crowded to behold the man whose virtues 
and talents exalted him, in their view, above the heroes of 
ancient and modern times ; and to present to him the un- 
dissembled homage of their grateful hearts. But to none 
did his visit give more exquisite pleasure than to the offi- 
cers and soldiers of the "patriot army," who had been his 
companions in suffering and in victory ; who were endeared 
to him by their bravery and fidelity in war, and by the 
magnanimity with which, in peace, they endured unmer- 
ited neglect and poverty. 

At the next session of congress, which commenced in 
January, 1790, Mr. Hamilton, the secretary of the treasury, 
made his celebrated report upon the public debts con- 
tracted during the revolutionary war. Taking an able and 
enlarged view of the advantages of public credit, he recom- 
mended that not only the debts of the continental congress, 
but those of the states, arising from their exertions in the 
common cause, should be funded or assumed by the §en- 



232 THE CONFEDERATION. 

eral government ; and that provision should be made for 
paying the interest, by imposing taxes on certain articles 
of luxury, and on spirits distilled within the country. 
Upon this report, an animated debate took place. Its re- 
commendations were opposed by that party who had seen, 
or thought they had seen, in the constitution, many fea- 
tures hostile to freedom, and who remembered that Mr. 
Hamilton, when a member of the convention, had pro- 
posed that the president and senate should be appointed to 
hold their offices during good behavior. They now ex- 
pressed their fears that the assumption of these debts 
would render the government still stronger, by drawing 
around it a numerous and powerful body of public credi- 
tors, who, in all the contests with the states or the people, 
would be bound, hj the strongest of all ties, that of inter- 
est, to support it, whether right or Avrong. This party, 
existing principally in the southern states, and professing 
an ardent attachment to the equal rights of man, took the 
name of republican. Mr. Madison proposed that when- 
ever the public securities had been transferred, the highest 
price which they had borne in the market should be paid 
to the purchaser, and the residue to the original holder. 
After an eloquent debate, this proposition was rejected. 
The party denominated federal, and existing principally 
in the northern states, supported throughout, with great 
ability and force of reasoning, the plans of the secretary ; 
but, on taking the vote in the house of representatives, they 
were rejected by a majority of two. 

Afterwards this national measure was connected, as is 
too frequently the case in legislative bodies, with one 
which had excited much local feeling. It was understood 
that, should the seat of government be fixed for ten years 
at Philadelphia, and afterwards permanently at a place to 
be selected on the Potomac, some southern members would 
withdraw their opposition to the funding system. A law 
to that effect was accordingly enacted. The former dis- 
cussion was then resumed. The plans of the secretary 
were adopted in the senate, and afterwards in the house ; 
two members representing districts on the Potomac chang- 



Washington's administration. — iroi. 233 

ing their votes. The debt funded amounted to a Uttle 
more than seventy-five milUons of dollars ; upon a part of 
which three per cent, and upon the remainder six per 
cent, interest was to be paid. The effect of this measure 
was great and rapid. The price of the public paper, which 
had fallen to twelve or fifteen cents on the dollar, suddenly- 
rose to the sum expressed on the face of it. This differ- 
ence was gained, in most instances, by purchasers of the 
securities, who, feeling indebted, for this immense acces- 
sion of wealth, to the plans of the secretary, regarded him 
with enthusiastic attachment. But in others, this wealth, 
suddenly acquired without merit, excited envy and dissat- 
isfaction. These joined the republican party, who, fancy- 
ing they were witnessing the fulfilment of their predictions, 
became more active in their opposition. 

The recommendation of the secretary, to impose addi- 
tional duties, was not acted upon until the next session of 
congress. Those on distilled spirits were proposed in order 
to render the burdens of the inhabitants beyond the Alle- 
gany mountains, where no other spirits were consumed, 
equal to those of the inhabitants on the sea-coast, who 
consumed most of the articles on which an impost duty 
was paid. In the beginning of the year 1791, they were 
laid as proposed. A national bank, recommended also by 
the same officer, was in the same year incorporated. Both 
measures met a violent opposition. 

In 1791, Vermont adopted the constitution, and applied 
to congress to be admitted into the Union. The territory 
of this state, situated between New Hampshire and New 
York, was claimed by both, and both had made grants of 
land within its limits. In 1777, the inhabitants, refusing 
to submit to either, declared themselves independent. Al- 
though not represented in the continental congress, yet, 
during the war, they embraced the cause of their brethren 
in the other states, and to them their aid was often rendered, 
and was always efficient. Agreeably to their request, an 
act was now passed, constituting Vermont one of the mem- 
bers of the Union. An act was also passed, declaring that 
the district of Kentucky, then a part of Virginia, should be 
20* 



234 THE CONFEDERATION. 

admitted into the Union on the 1st day of June, in the suc- 
ceeding year. 

In 1791, was completed the first census or enumeration 
of the inhabitants of the United States, They amounted 
to 3,921, .326, of which number 695,655 were slaves. The 
revenue, according to the report of the secretary of the 
treasury, amounted to ^4,771,000; the exports to about 
nineteen, and the imports to about twenty millions. A 
great improvement in the circumstances of the people be- 
gan, at this period, to be visible. The establishment of a 
firm and regular government, and confidence in the men 
whom they had chosen to administer it, gave an impulse 
to their exertions, which bore them rapidly forward in the 
career of prosperity. 

In 1790, a termination was put to the war, which, for 
several years, had raged between the Creek Indians and 
the state of Georgia. Pacific overtures were also made to 
the hostile tribes inhabiting the banks of the Scioto and 
the Wabash. These being rejected, an army of fourteen 
hundred men, commanded by General Harmer, was de- 
spatched against them. Two battles were fought near 
Chilicothe, in Ohio, between successive detachments from 
this army and the Indians, in which the latter were vic- 
torious. Emboldened by these successes, they made more 
vigorous attacks upon the frontier settlements, which suf- 
fered all the distressing calamities of an Indian war. Ad- 
ditional troops were raised, and the command of the whole 
was given to General St. Clair. With near tAvo thousand 
men, he marched, in October, 1791, into the wilderness. 
By desertion and detachments, this force was reduced to 
fourteen hundred men. On the 3d of November, they 
encamped a few miles from the villages on the Miami, 
intending to remain there until joined by those who were 
absent. But, before sunrise the next morning, just after 
the troops were dismissed from the parade, they were 
attacked unexpectedly by the Indians. The new levies, 
who were in front, rushed back in confusion upon the reg- 
ulars. These, Avho had been hastily formed, were thrown 
into disorder. They, however, with great intrepidity. 



DEFEAT OF GENERAL ST. CLAIR. — 1791. 235 

advanced into the midst of the enemy, who retired from 
covert to covert, keeping always beyond reach, and again 
returning as soon as the troops were recalled from pursuit. 
In these charges, many brave and experienced officers 
were killed ; the loss of men was also great, and no perma- 
nent impression was made upon the enemy. At length, 
after a contest of three or four hours, St. Clair, whose ill- 
health disabled him from performing the active duties of 
commander, determined to withdraw from the field the 
remnant of his troops. The instant that the directions to 
retire were given, a disorderly flight commenced. Fortu- 
nately for the survivors, the victorious Indians were soon 
recalled from pursuit, to the camp, by their avidity for 
plunder ; and the vanquished continued their retreat un- 
molested to the frontier settlements. In this battle, the 
numbers engaged on both sides were supposed to be equal. 
Of the whites, the slaughter was almost beyond example. 
Six hundred and thirty were killed and missing, and two 
hundred and sixty were wounded, — a loss which proves 
at once the obstinacy of the defence and the bravery of 
the assailants. 

On receiving information of this disaster, congress, re- 
solving to prosecute the war with increased vigor, made 
provision for augmenting, by enlistment, the military force 
of the nation to five thousand men. This force was put 
imder the command of General Wayne. He advanced into 
the Indian territory, in the autumn of 1793, and erected a 
fortification on the spot where St. Clair had been defeated, 
which he named Fort Recovery. The season was too far 
advanced for military operations, and he wintered in the 
neighborhood. The early part of the summer was spent 
in attempts to negotiate with the enemy, and cautious 
movements on the part of the Americans. At length, on 
the 8th of August, 1794, he reached the rapids of the 
Miami, with a force of three thousand men, and marched 
down the stream to meet the enemy, who were strongly 
posted in a fortification, skirted by a thick wood and the 
rocky bank of the Miami, where they had collected two 
thousand strong. Wayne attacked them on the 20th of 



236 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



August. After an obstinate battle of an hour, the Indians 
were defeated and driven from their fort with great loss. 




Wayne^s victory over iJie Indians. 

In the neighborhood of the battle-field was a strong fort, 
garrisoned by British troops, although far within the 
American limits. This fortification, with several others, 
the British continued to hold, on the plea that the United 
States had failed to execute some articles of the treaty of 
1783; and it was supposed that the Indian hostilities were 
owing to the intrigues of British agents at these posts. 
The defeated savages fled from Wayne's army into the 
shelter of a wood under the guns of this fort, where it was 
found impossible to dislodge them. Wayne laid waste the 
Indian towns and cornfields, and completely broke the 
power of the Indians. On the 3d of August, 1795, a treaty 
was agreed upon at Greenville, which established peace, 
and restored the frontiers to tranquillity. 

Although the general operation of the federal constitu- 
tion had been highly successful, yet there were some excep- 
tions. The state of Pennsylvania had shown symptoms 
of discontent for three or four years ; and a seditious man- 
ifestation took place in 1794, called the Whiskey Insurrec- 
tion. The anti-federal party had been strong in this 



FRENCH REVOLUTION. 1793. 237 

quarter ; but the chief opposition arose against an act of 
congress, imposing a duty on the distillation of spirits. 
The opposition grew to such a height, that, in 1794, the 
law was publicly set at defiance. The revenue officers 
were obstructed in the execution of their duty, and the 
marshal was shot at by a body of armed men. Houses 
were attacked and burnt, and furious outrages perpetrated. 
The government took prompt and decisive measures to 
quell the insurrection. The militia of Pennsylvania and 
the neighboring states were raised and marched against 
the rioters. They fled without striking another blow, and 
tranquillity was speedily restored. 

In the mean time the French revolution had broken out, 
and information was received of the declaration of war by 
France against England and Holland. The United States 
were greatly interested for the success of France, which 
had assisted us during our revolution. The French people, 
at the same time, regarded the Americans as their brethren, 
bound to them by the ties of gratitude ; and when the kings 
of Europe, dreading the establishment of republicanism in 
her borders, assembled in arms to restore monarchy to 
France, she looked across the Atlantic for sympathy and 
assistance. The new government, recalling the minister 
whom the king had appointed, despatched the citizen 
Genet, of ardent temper, and a zealous republican, to sup- 
ply his place. In April, 1793, he arrived at Charleston, in 
South Carolina, where he was received by the governor 
and the citizens in a cordial manner. At his first landing, 
he proceeded to acts violating the rules of international 
Jaw, by commissioning armed vessels from Charleston to 
cruise against the British. This was promptly resented 
by the British minister at Philadelphia, who complained 
of Genet's proceedings, and Washington sent instructions, 
accompanied with rules for the observation of neutrality, 
to the governors of all the states. Genet, mistaking the 
character both of his own office and of the American peo- 
ple, attempted to excite a popular clamor against Wash- 
ington. He issued the most absurd and extravagant 
inflammatory publications, addressed to the passions of the 



238 THE CONFEDERATION. 

people, and actually called upon them to resist the author- 
ity of their government. In this outrageous proceeding he 
was seconded by all the wild, ignorant and senseless dem- 
agogues in the country. Kis language toward the govern- 
ment became so insolent that Washington refused to hold 
any farther intercourse with him, and the French govern- 
ment were obliged to call him home. 

In 1794, the navigation of the Mississippi was secured 
to the United States by a treaty with Spain, concluded by 
Mr. Pinckney, American envoy at Madrid. Mr. Adams 
had returned from England, and Mr. Jay had succeeded 
him as American minister in the same year. He effected 
a commercial treaty with Great Britain, which proved very 
beneficial to the country, although it excited great clamors 
at the moment. By this treaty, all the American posts 
occupied by the British were given up, and a general 
settlement of all disputes between the two countries was 
concluded. 

Washington, who had been reelected president in 1792, 
now signified his determination to retire from political life, 
and John Adams was chosen to succeed him. He entered 
upon his oflTice in March, 1797. The relations of the 
United States with France now assumed a hostile com- 
plexion. Genet's successors, Fauchet and Adet, practised 
intrigues and manoeuvres inconsistent with their diplomatic 
character. The language of the French Directory was 
overbearing and insolent, and at length they issued orders 
for the capture of American vessels, on the ground that 
they had permitted themselves to be searched by British 
cruisers. Hostilities immediately broke out. There was 
no formal declaration of war by congress, but the govern- 
ment issued an order for the capturing of all armed French 
vessels. On the 9th of February, 1799, the American 
frigate Constellation, of thirty-six guns, commanded by 
Captain Truxton, being on a cruise among the West India 
Islands, fell in with the French frigate I'lnsurgente, of forty 
guns, and captured her, after an engagement of an hour and 
a quarter. The Insurgente was much superior in force to 
her antagonist. On the 1st day of February, 1800, the 



\ 



DEATH OF WASHINGTON. — 1799. 239 

Constellation fought another battle with the French frigate 
La Vengeance, of fifty-four guns. After a most obstinate 
and bloody engagement of above four hours, the French 
ship was silenced, but a squall suddenly springing up, 
enabled her to escape, and she arrived at Curasao in a 
shattered condition, with one hundred and sixty men killed 
and wounded. 

The spirit of the country was completely roused by the 
insults of the French government. Preparations were 
made for raising an army, and Washington was appointed 
commander-in-chief. The United States, in arms at home 
and victorious on the ocean, commanded the respect of 
their enemy. The directory made overtures of peace. 
The president immediately appointed ministers, who, on 
their arrival at Paris, found the executive authority in the 
possession of Bonaparte as first consul. They were 
promptly accredited, and, in September, 1800, a treaty was 
concluded satisfactory to both countries. 

While this negotiation was in progress, the whole Ameri- 
can people were overwhelmed Avith sorrow, by the sudden 
death of the father of his country. On the 14th of Decem- 
ber, 1799, after an illness of one day only, Washington ex- 
pired. Intelligence of this event, as it ra.pidly spread, pro- 
duced spontaneous, deep, and unaffected grief, suspending 
every other thought, and absorbing every different feeling. 
Congress, then in session at Philadelphia, immediately 
adjourned. On assembling the next day, the house of 
representatives resolved "that the speaker's chair should 
be shrouded in black, and the members wear black during 
the session ; and that a joint committee should be appointed 
to devise the most suitable manner of paying honor to the 
memory of the MAN, first in war, first in peace, and first 
in the hearts of his countrymen." 

The senate, on this melancholy occasion, addressed a 
letter of condolence to the president of the United States. 
"This event," they observe, "so distressing to all our 
fellow-citizens, must be particularly heavy to you, who 
have long been associated with him in deeds of patriotism. 
Permit us, sir, to mingle our tears with yours. On this 



240 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



occasion, it is manly to weep. To lose such a man, at 
such a crisis, is no common calamity to the world. Our 
country mourns a father. The Almighty Disposer of 
human events has taken from us our greatest benefactor 
and ornament. It becomes us to submit with reverence to 
HIM who maketh darkness his pavilion. 

"With patriotic pride we review the life of our WASH- 
INGTON, and compare him with those of other countries 
who have been preeminent in fame. Ancient and modern 
names are diminished before him. Greatness and guilt 
have too often been allied ; but his fame is whiter than it 
is brilliaut. The destroyer of nations stood abashed at the 
majesty of his virtues. It reproved the intemperance of 
their ambition, and darkened the splendor of victory. 

" Such was the man whom we deplore. Thanks to God, 
his glory is consummated. Washington yet lives on earth 
in his spotless example — his spirit is in heaven. Let his 
countrymen consecrate the memory of the heroic general, 
the patriotic statesman, and the virtuous sage ; let them 
teach their children never to forget that the fruits of his 
labors and of his example a?-e their inheritance^^ 




Tomb of Washington. 



CONGRESS REMOVES TO WASHINGTON. 1800. 



241 



Agreeably to the report of the committee, and the unani- 
mous resolves of congress, a funeral procession moved from 
the legislative hall to the German Lutheran church, where 
an oration was delivered by General Lee, a representative 
from Virginia. The procession was grand and solemn, the 
oration impressive and eloquent. Throughout the Union 
similar marks of affliction were exhibited. A whole be- 
reaved people appeared in mourning. In every part of 
the republic, funeral orations were delivered, and the best 
talents of the nation were devoted to an expression of the 
nation's grief. 

In 1800, congress removed from Philadelphia to a place 
which had been previously selected; and public buildings 
were erected on the Potomac, a few miles above Mount 
Vernon, to which the name of Washington was given, and 
congress commenced its session for the first time at this 
place in November. 




21 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Jefferson's Administration. — Purchase of Louisiana — Commercial 
affairs — War with Tripoli — Destruction of the frigate Philadelphia — 
March of General pMton from Egypt — Capture of Derne — Peace with 
TVipoli — A [fairs with Spain — Burr\s conspiracy — Reelection of Jeffer- 
son — Troubles with Great Britain — Attack on the Chesapeake — Singu- 
lar effects of this outrage — Depredations upon American commerce — 
Paper blockades — Napoleon'' s Berlin decree — The British orders in 
council — Mr. Jefferson'' s gun-boat system— The embargo — Non-inter- 
course loith England — Madison elected president — Erskine^s mission — 
Affair of the President and Little Belt — Revocation of the Berlin and 
Milan decrees and the British orders in council. 

Towards the close of Mr. Adams' administration, party- 
spirit had risen to an unusual lieight in the United States. 
A violent struggle succeeded, at the election of president, 
between the federal and democratic party. Mr. Adams 
had lost his popularity, and no choice was made by the 
people. When the election came to the house of represen- 
tatives, in consequence of an original provision of the con- 
stitution, which has since been amended, thirty-six ballot- 
ings took place in the house of representatives, before the 
president was chosen. At length, Thomas Jefferson was 
chosen president, and Aaron Burr vice-president. They 
entered upon their offices amid the heat of high party 
dissensions, in March, 1801. 

The most important event of Mr. Jefferson's administra- 
tion, was the acquisition of Louisiana by the United States. 
This country, which the Spaniards had recently conveyed 
to the French, comprised also an immense extent of terri- 
tory, out of which have since been formed the states of Ar- 
kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and the unsettled territories 
of the west. In 1803, the United States purchased it ot 



WAR WITH TRIPOLI. — 1801. 



243 



France, for fifteen millions of dollars, — a very small sum, 
considering the intrinsic value of the territory. Yet this 
transaction was loudly condemned at the time, by short- 
sighted people, as an extravagant waste of the public 
money. 




Jefferson. 

During Mr. Jefferson's administration, the United States 
became involved in hostilities with one of the Barbary 
powers. The bashaw of Tripoli, as early as 1799, de- 
manded the payment of a tribute from the United States, 
and, being refused, his cruisers captured several American 
vessels. Hostilities immediately commenced against that 
piratical power, although the United States possessed only 
a small number of ships of war. In August, 1801, the 
United States schooner Enterprise, Captain Sterrett, fell in 
with a Tripolitan cruiser off Malta, and, after an obstinate 
action of two hours, captured her. Captain Sterrett' s instruc- 
tions did not allow him to make a prize of the vessel; accord- 
ingly, after cutting away her masts and throwing her guns 
overboard, he gave her up to the crew, leaving them sail 
and rigging sufficient to carry them into port. From this 
time till 1803, the United States kept several ships of war 
in the Mediterranean, and some small actions took place 
off Tripoli. 

The American navy had now received some slight aug- 
mentation. In 1794, a vote was passed in congress, to 



244 



Jefferson's administration. 



build six frigates, and before many years they were built. 
These were the Constitution, the President, the United 
States, the Constellation, the Congress, and the Chesa- 
peake. There were added, also, a few brigs and schoon- 
ers. The government now resolved to see what could be 
done to chastise the Barbary pirates. In August, 1803, 
Commodore Preble was despatched with a squadron, con- 
sisting of the Constitution and Philadelphia frigates, the 
Argus, Siren and Nautilus brigs, and the Vixen and En- 
terprise schooners. On their arrival off Tripoli, the Phila- 
delphia, in chasing a vessel into port, struck on a rock, and, 
before she could be got off, was surrounded by the Tripoli- 
tan gun-boats and compelled to surrender. On a change 
of wind she was set afloat and towed into the harbor of 
Tripoli. The remainder of the squadron bore away for 
Syracuse. 

As none of the Tripolitan cruisers dared venture out of 




Burning of the rhiladelphia. 

port while the American squadron was in the Mediterra- 
nean, a scheme was projected to venture boldly into the 



WAR WITH TRIPOLI. 1804. 245 

harbor of Tripoli, and cut out the Philadelphia, or set her 
on fire. Lieutenant Stephen Decatur offered to conduct 
this hazardous undertaking in a small schooner, with sev- 
enty-six men. He sailed from Syracuse, accompanied by 
the brig Siren. On the IGth of February, 1S04, they arrived 
oif Tripoli. The schooner entered the harbor at night, and 
ran alongside the Philadelphia, before it was discovered 
that she was an enemy. Decatur, with a select body of 
seamen, boarded her, sword in hand, soon cleared her 
decks, and gained entire possession of the ship. The cas- 
tle, the batteries and the Tripolitan flotilla opened a tre- 
mendous fire upon them, and the harbor was soon covered 
with launches approaching to the rescue ; but Decatur and 
his men set fire to the Philadelphia, and escaped to sea 
without loss. 

This daring enterprise having been successfully accom- 
plished. Commodore Preble proceeded to bombard the city. 
For several successive days, in August, the town was can- 
nonaded, and assaults were made on the shipping in the 
port. The Tripolitan batteries mounted one hundred and 
fifty guns, and the town was defended by an army of forty- 
five thousand Arabs. The enemy sustained much damage, 
and several of their gun-boats were captured. An attempt 
was made, on the 16th of September, to blow up the castle 
and batteries by a fire-ship, the Intrepid, which was loaded 
with a hundred barrels of powder, and three hundred 
shells. This vessel, in charge of Lieutenants Wadsworth, 
Somers and Israel, proceeded into the harbor under cover 
of night. The design was to set fire to the train on ap- 
proaching close to the enemy's quarters, while the crew 
escaped in a boat. Before this could be done, two galleys, 
of one hundred men each, suddenly shot alongside the 
Intrepid, and she instantly blew up, with the most terrible 
effect, destroying both her crew and enemies. It is not 
known whether this dreadful catastrophe happened by 
accident or design. 

The Tripolitan war still lingered on. The American 
naval force was insufticient to reduce the city, and all 
negotiations with the bashaw were without effect. In this 
21^ 



246 Jefferson's administration. 

emergency the Americans resorted to a new expedient. 
Hamet, the former bashaw, had been dethroned and ex- 
pelled by his brother, and was now an exile in Upper 
Egypt. General William Eaton was despatched to nego- 
tiate with him, in the hopes of gaining him over to the 
Americans. Hamet commanded an army of Mamelukes, 
then at war with the Turkish government. Eaton brought 
him into his plan. Hamet furnished the American general 
with a strong body of Arabs, well mounted, and seventy 
Greek soldiers. With this force, Eaton left Alexandria, on 
the 6th of March, 1805, for an expedition across the sandy 
desert of Barca, into the Tripolitan territory. In a march 
of a thousand miles, the troops endured an immense degree 
of peril and suffering, and, on the 25th of April, arrived 
before the town of Derne, under the government of the 
bashaw. The barbarian chief meantime had received 
intelligence of Eaton's expedition, and was hastening Avith 
an army to the relief of Derne. Eaton, at his arrival, 
learnt that the bashaw was within a day's march.* For- 
tunately the American squadron arrived in the bay of 
Derne at that precise moment. No time was to be lost; 
the town Avas summoned to surrender ; but the command- 
ant returned for reply, " My head, or yours ! " Eaton 
stormed the walls on the 27th, and Derne was taken by 
as strange an armament as ever fought under an American 
flag — Arab cavalry, Greek infantry, and American marines 
and sailors. The Tripolitan forces were completely routed, 
and Eaton fortified himself in the town. 

The bashaw experienced considerable delay on his 
march, and it was the 18th of May before he arrived ivith 
his army before the walls of Derne, where Hamet had set 
up his government. He immediately assaulted the place, 
but, after a contest of four hours, was repulsed, and with- 
drew to the mountains, although his troops outnumbered 
their opponents ten to one. Many skirmishes followed, 
and, on the 10th of June, another general battle was 
fought. The small American vessels in the harbor kept 
up a well-directed fire, and checked every advance of the 
Tripolitaus. The next day the Constitution arrived, and 



burr's conspiracy. 1806. 247 

struck such terror into the enemy that they fled instantly 
to the desert, leaving most of their baggage behind them. 

Many other skirmishes ensued, and the war was con- 
tinued till June, when the bashaw, finding it impossible to 
expel the Americans from his territory, and too hazardous 
to venture his ships to sea, thought best to come to terms. 
A treaty was accordingly concluded between him and Mr. 
Lear, the American agent, by which the American cap- 
tives were ransomed for sixty thousand dollars, and 
Hamet was left to shift for himself. It is generally thought 
that, had the management of aflairs been left to Eaton, 
the war w^ould have been closed in a manner much more 
profitable and honorable to the United States. 

The conduct of the British and Spanish governments, at 
this period, indicated no very friendly disposition towards 
America, and there was a portion of our citizens who con- 
tended that war Avould be justifiable against Spain ; while 
another portion urged a suspension of commercial inter- 
course with England, in retaliation for her aggressions. 
This unsettled state of affairs continued for some time, and 
proved very embarrassing to commercial enterprise, and 
highly exciting to political parties. A declaration of war, 
by the United States, against either of these powers, never- 
theless, would have been a rash and desperate deed ; and 
while there was any hope of success in negotiation, it was 
preferable to avoid hostilities. The controversy with 
Spain respecting the territory formerly occupied by that 
nation, was the cause of an expedition on the Mississippi, 
which, though professedly harmless to the United States, 
gave the country much alarm, in 1806, and led many peo- 
ple to apprehend a design to dissolve the Union. The 
citizens of Kentucky and Tennessee had been complaining, 
for more than two years, of Spanish aggression, and seemed 
on the point of breaking out into acts of hostility. Some 
were so highly excited as to threaten to form a separate 
government in the valley of the Mississippi. A wide field 
was thus presented to the ambition of Aaron Burr, who 
was vice-president of the United States from 1800 to 1804, 
and Avho had lost the confidence of both the great political 



248 Jefferson's administration. 

parties of the country. Nothing could allay his appetite for 
intrigue and notoriety. He became involved in a quarrel 
with Alexander Hamilton, which resulted in a duel, and 
Hamilton fell by the hand of Burr, in June, 1804. From 
that moment Burr was totally ruined in his political fortunes, 
and his reckless ambition drove him to desperate measures. 

He travelled into the western parts of the United States, 
in 1805 and 1806, and acquainted himself accurately with 
the state of public feeling there, and the resources Avhich 
that region ofiered for the accomplishment of his design. 
He professed, as yet, no specific object, and possibly had 
not matured his plans. To different persons he made dif- 
ferent declarations, but it was generally understood that 
his plan was to raise an army and invade Mexico. This, 
perhaps, was a cover to a more dangerous design ; for it is 
supposed that his ultimate purpose was to erect an inde- 
pendent government in the valley of the Mississippi, com- 
posed of the western states and territories, and the newly 
acquired region of Louisiana, which contained a hetero- 
geneous population, at that time in a state of great discon- 
tent. If this plan did not succeed, a blow Avas to be struck 
upon Mexico. The full extent of Burr's projects nex^er 
was known, but many individuals in Washington, Phila- 
delphia, New York, and other places, had knowledge of 
his designs, to which the public was a stranger. The 
mystery which attended all his proceedings gave great 
alarm. The president had early intelligence that some- 
thing of a treasonable aspect was going forward, and he 
took measures for watching the movements of Burr. He 
wrote to the governor of Louisiana, and to tlie commander 
of the United States troops in that quarter, to be on their 
guard against his machinations. 

All this while Burr avowed no treasonable or hostile 
intentions. He even pretended that the president was 
privy to his designs. His associates also avowed that 
General Wilkinson, who commanded the United States 
troops at New Orleans, was a party to all his schemes. 
Burr's first object appears to have been, to take possession 
of New Orleans, and there to collect a sufficient number 



burr's conspiracy. 1806. 249 

of discontented and unscrupulous adventurers to maintain 
himself in arms against the federal authority, which, at 
such a distance, he supposed could not act against^ him 
with any promptness and effect. In the latter part of 1806, 
Burr collected a hody of his adherents on the Ohio. Many 
persons of respectability and influence joined his standard, 
some of whom, probably, were not made acquainted Avith 
the extent of his undertaking. Having furnished his band 
with military stores and provisions, he proceeded down the 
river, declaring, in some places, a design of invading 
Mexico, and, in others, asserting that he was authorized by 
the president to keep the Spaniards in order, who remained 
on the territories of the United States. The number of his 
actual followers was not large, but it was said that he had 
several thousand men in readiness to join, him on due 
notice. 

But the mystery with which he shrouded his whole 
scheme, soon caused it to miscarry. Many of his followers 
became alarmed at the dark rumors and insinuations which 
prevailed respecting the designs of their leader. Few of 
them knew, precisely, on what sort of an enterprise they 
were proceeding, and the unknown dangers of it assumed, 
every moment, a more portentous aspect. One by one 
his followers fell off. Some of his agents and correspond- 
ents were arrested at New Orleans, and sent to Washington 
for examination. His friends attempted to represent the 
matter as unimportant, and no part of the secret could be 
got out of them. But the suspicion was now general ; the 
public authorities were vigilant, and before Burr could 
reach New Orleans, he was arrested and sent to Virginia. 
He was put on trial for treason before the supreme court 
of the United States, at Richmond, in August, 1807. His 
confidential friends, who were few, revealed none of his 
secrets, and, as no legal proof could be obtained of any 
overt treasonable act committed by him, he was acquitted. 
The mystery of the affair has never been cleared up to the 
present day, and " Burr's conspiracy" is destined to exer- 
cise the ingenuity of many a historian and romancer, in 
time to come. After this affair, the ambitious, restless, 



250 Jefferson's administration. 

and intriguing Aaron Burr, who, had his lot been cast on 
the other side of the Atlantic, might have gained a crown, 
sunk into complete obscurity, and passed a long life in 
retirement, abandoned and forgotten by the whole world. 
Although acquitted by a jury, the people believed him 
guilty ; and, by their desertion and contempt, he was re- 
duced to a condition of the most abject wretchedness. 
The ease with which his plans were defeated, demon- 
strated the strength of the government; and his fate will 
ever be an impressive warning to those who, in a free 
country, listen to the suggestions of criminal ambition. 

Mr, Jefferson was reelected president in 1804. Party 
spirit had abated none of its fierceness ; and the Americans 
almost universally took sides in the contest then raging 
between France and England. The right of searching 
American ships and impressing British sailors from them, 
had been strongly insisted on by the British ; and this 
right, although in the highest degree repugnant to the feel- 
ings of the American people, had not been contested by the 
treaty of 1794. Such a license could not fail to be scanda- 
lously abused by the British cruisers, who were then the 
undisputed lords of the ocean. It was not long before a 
gross and wanton outrage was perpetrated by the British 
upon the American flag. On the 22d of June, 1807, the 
American frigate Chesapeake, Captain Barron, sailed from 
Norfolk on a voyage to Europe. Not apprehending hostil- 
ities, she was in an imperfect state of equipment. She 
passed the British ships Bellona and Melampus, lying in 
Lynnhaven bay, whose appearance was friendly. There 
were two other British ships that lay off Cape Henry, one 
of Avhich, the Leopard, a heavy frigate, weighed anchor, 
and in a few hours came alongside the Chesapeake. 

A British officer immediately went on board, and de- 
manded certain deserters from the British squadron, said 
to be on board the Chesapeake. To this. Captain Barron 
replied, that he did not know of any being there, and that 
his duty forbade him to allow of any muster of his crew, 
except by their own officers. During this interview, Bar- 
ron noticed some proceedings of a hostile nature on board 



ATTACK ON THE FRIGATE CHESAPEAKE. — 1807. 251 

the adverse ship, but he could not be persuaded that any- 
thing but menace was intended by them. When the Brit- 
ish officer departed, he gave orders to clear his gun deck, 
and, after some time, he directed the men to their quarters 
secretly, and without beat of drum; still, however, with- 
out any serious apprehensions of an attack. Before these 
orders could be executed, the Leopard commenced a heavy 
fire ; which, unfortmiately, was very destructive. In about 
thirty minutes, the hull, rigging, and spars of the Chesa- 
peake were greatly damaged ; three men were killed, and 
sixteen wounded ; among the latter was the captain him- 
self. Such was the previous disorder, that, during this 
time, the utmost exertions were insufficient to prepare the 
ship for action, and Captain Barron thought proper to strike 
his colors. The British captain refused to accept the sur- 
render of the Chesapeake, but took from her crew the three 
men formerly demanded as deserters, and a fourth, claimed 
as a runaway from a merchant ship. This gross and 
wanton outrage inflamed the whole population of the 
United States with indignation, and, for the moment, extin- 
guished all party spirit in the national feeling which it 
aroused. The president issued a proclamation, ordering 
all British ships out of the waters of the United States. 
The British government disavowed the act of Admiral 
Berkley, who commanded the squadron to which the 
Leopard belonged, and removed him from his command on 
the American station ; but the claim of the right of search 
and impressment was not abandoned. 

But the attack on the Chesapeake produced more impor- 
tant results in the sequel — results never foreseen nor imag- 
ined either by the Americans or the British. The outrage 
upon the American flag sunk deep into the minds of the 
people, and the history of the aff"air led to the conclusion 
that there was a lack of discipline in the American navy. 
A determination was adopted never to afljord the chance for 
a repetition of the insult ; and a system of the most perfect 
and admirable discipline was introduced into the American 
naval service. Every ship that put to sea was manned 
with a crew perfectly trained to meet the enemy at a 



252 Jefferson's administration. 

moment's warning ; and the consequence was, that when 
the war with Great Britain broke out, the American navy 
struck at once into a brilUant career of victories that threw 
all Europe into astonishment. A striking instance of retri- 
butive justice ! A wanton and unjustifiable outrage of the 
British led the way to their own defeat and mortification ! 

The insignificance of the American navy at this period, 
and the wide extent of American commerce, offered the 
strongest temptations to the British. Possessing a thousand 
ships of war, and having no rival on the ocean, they con- 
sidered it in their power to plunder and insult every mari- 
time nation with perfect impunity. Actuated by the spirit 
of rapacity and insolence, the British cruisers made no 
scruple to capture American ships and impress their crews 
whenever it suited their convenience. Seven frigates, large 
and small, with a few minor craft, constituted the whole 
effective naval force of the Americans ; yet, while the 
national flag was exposed to constant insults, nothing 
was done to increase the naval defence of the country 
except building a large fleet of gunboats. This scheme of 
Mr. Jeflferson proved a most signal failure. The gunboats 
were of very little service in harbor, and good for nothing 
at sea, and they speedily fell into contempt and neglect. 

Remonstrances against the spoliations and insults of the 
British proved of no avail ; all demands for redress were 
refused, and they now carried on their depredations upon a 
grand scale. Setting at defiance the laws of nations, they 
adopted the system of " paper blockade," by which a whole 
coast was laid under a commercial interdict. France and 
all other countries in possession of the French were in this 
manner cut off from all connection with neutral nations ; 
and American ships bound to those countries were captured 
by British cruisers, carried into port, and condemned by 
the British admiralty courts. 

Such a proceeding was nothing less than a gross public 
robbery, and soon involved the United States in embarrass- 
ments with the French. Napoleon declared that if the 
United States submitted to this arrogant assumption of 
power by the British, they assumed, in so doing, an attitude 



THE ORDERS IN COUNCIL. — 1807. 253 

of hostility toward France. To counteract the British 
paper blockade, he determined to retort it against Great 
Britain. This led to the famous Berlin and Milan de- 
crees. From the imperial camp at Berlin, on the 21st of 
November, 1806, he issued a decree, complaining of the 
violation of the rights of nations by the British government, 
and declaring that it had become necessary to enforce 
against them their own maritime code. The British 
islands were therefore declared in a state of blockade, and 
all intercourse with them was forbidden to neutral nations. 
The British government retorted on their part, on the 7th 
of January and 11th of November, 1807, by issuing their 
orders in council, declaring in a state of blockade all ports 
in Europe from which the British flag was excluded, and 
all trade in the products or manufactures of such countries, 
contraband. Napoleon replied to this by a decree, dated 
at Milan, on the 17th of December, 1807, declaring that 
every ship, of whatever nation, which should submit to a 
search from an English vessel, should be liable to capture 
and condemnation as English property. The same penalty 
was denounced against all ships holding any intercourse 
with Great Britain or her colonies, or any country occupied 
by British troops. 

In this extraordinary manner, the commerce of the United 
States became the prey of the two great belligerent powers, 
and, between Scylla and Charybdis, saw nothing but de- 
struction. Unjustifiable as these acts were, in both parties, 
Napoleon was more reasonable than the British govern- 
ment. He declared that the Berlin and Milan decrees 
should be rescinded as soon as the British abandoned their 
own unjustifiable and barbarous system of maritime plun- 
der ; and this was all the satisfaction the Americans could 
get amidst their calamities. More than a thousand of their 
vessels, most of them with rich cargoes, were captured 
before the year 1812. 

Yet, strange as it may seem, the ocean was still covered 
with American ships ! The reckless and adventurous spirit 
of the merchants incited them to the most desperate enter- 
prises, and when a ship was captured, another immediately 
22 



254 Jefferson's administration. 

took her place. Such of these as escaped the piracies of 
the belhgerent powers, made profits so enormous, that the 
avarice of the traders received a tenfold stimulant, and the 
spirit of commercial avarice continued to rush to sea with 
every plank that could be made to float. Commerce he- 
came a lottery, in which enormous prizes came up among 
a great number of blanks. Some extraordinary device was 
thought necessary to save the American commerce from 
total destruction ; for, although some individuals grew rich 
in these adventures, the country was a great loser. Such 
an expedient was the embargo, Avhich, in the winter of 
1807, was laid on American shipping, by act of congress. 
By this act, all trade with Great Britain, France and other 
nations, was interdicted. The most violent clamors were 
raised throughout the country, especially in the maritime 
towns, by this act. The embargo was denounced as uncon- 
stitutional, and the two parties which divided the country 
were inflamed into the most bitter animosities. The expe- 
diency of the measure was, indeed, very questionable at 
the outset. It was impossible to enforce the embargo law 
to the full extent, especially in the eastern states, where it 
was particularly disrelished. After considerable distress, 
occasioned by a stagnation of business, which affected all 
classes, the embargo was partially repealed at the end of 
a year, and another scheme put upon trial, in the shape of 
a non-intercourse act, by which all commerce with Great 
Britain and France was interdicted. 

Mr. Jefferson, having served two terms, retired from 
office, and James Madison was elected president in 1808. 
His administration commenced in March, 1809, and was 
marked, in the beginning, by an event which, for a short 
time, opened new and flattering prospects for the country. 

Erskine, the British minister to the United States, pro- 
posed an arrangement for the settlement of the disputes 
between tlie two countries, giving positive and official 
assurances that the orders in council should be revoked, as 
far as concerned the United States, provided the non-inter- 
course with Great Britain should be repealed. He also 
offered reparation for the attack on the Chesapeake, and 



ERSKINe's treaty. 1809. 255 

agreed that an envoy extraordinary should be sent by Great 
Britain to conclude a treaty for the full adjustment of all 
affairs depending between the United States and Great 
Britain. These proposals were gladly embraced by the 
American cabinet, and a treaty was signed and ratified on 
the 19th of April, 1809, comprising an adjustment of all the 
disputes between the two powers in relation to the above 
points. Mr. Madison, confiding in the good faith and sin- 
cerity of the British minister, immediately issued his pro- 
clamation, announcing that he had received official infor- 
mation that the orders in council would be repealed on the 
10th of June, and that the trade between the United States 
and Great Britain might be renewed on that day. 

This announcement caused as much joy throughout the 
country as a proclamation of peace. The event was cele- 
brated everywhere by public rejoicings and illuminations, 
and all parties united in applauding the measure and its 
promoters. This universal exultation, however, was soon 
followed by the most mortifying disappointment. The 
British government disavowed the treaty, and recalled their 
minister, on the plea that he had transcended his instruc- 
tions. 

Nothing was left again to the United States but vain 
remonstrances and negotiations, while their commerce con- 
tinued to be plundered and their flag insulted. Erskine's 
successor at Washington, Mr. F. J. Jackson, publicly insulted 
the American government by the insolence of his language. 
They refused to hold any further intercourse with him, and 
he was forced to return home. The nation had endured 
so long a series of outrages, that the British sought now for 
every occasion to repeat their insults. British ships of war 
infested the coast of the United States, fired upon the 
vessels, and imprisoned the crews. This spirit of daring 
insolence, however, soon met with a severe rebuke. On 
the 16th of May, 1811, a rencounter took place between an 
American and a British ship of war, ofli' the capes of Vir- 
ginia. The British sloop-of-war Little Belt fell in with 
the United States frigate President, on a dark evening, when 
the ships did not understand each other's force. Commo- 



256 Jefferson's administration. 

dore Rogers, who commanded the President, hailed the 
Little Belt, and was answered by a shot. Broadsides were 
then fired by both ships, till the Little Belt ceased firing, 
with thirty-two men killed and wounded. Captain Bing- 
ham, of the Little Belt, published a statement of the case, 
representing it as a hostile attack upon his ship, and aflirmed 
that the President fired the first gun. The British govern- 
ment sustained their captain, and demanded satisfaction. 
A court of inquiry was ordered by the Americans. Full 
evidence appeared that the British ship began the attack, 
and after a clear statement of the case by Mr. Monroe, the 
secretary of state, the British cabinet appeared convinced 
that the Americans were in the right. They could not be 
ignorant of the hectoring and insolent character of their 
naval commanders, at this epoch of Britain's maritime 
supremacy, and nothing further was said about the affair. 
Furthermore, they made amends for the outrage upon the 
Chesapeake, by giving up the men taken from her. and 
bestowing a pension on the families of the killed and 
wounded. 

But the main points in dispute betAveen the two countries 
still remained unsettled. American ships continued to be 
captured, the orders in comicil remained in force, and 
affairs tended rapidly toward a crisis. On the 1st of May, 
1810, congress had passed an act, declaring that if either 
Great Britain or France should, before the 3d of March 
following, cease to violate the neutrality of the United 
States, the non-intercourse should be repealed with regard 
to that power. On learning this measure, the French gov- 
ernment informed the American minister at Paris that the 
Berlin and Milan decrees would be revoked on the 2d of 
November, 1810. A proclamation from the president, in 
consequence, announced that the non-intercourse with 
France had ceased. When the American minister at Lon- 
don pressed the British government to follow this example, 
he was answered that no proof existed of the repeal of 
Napoleon's decrees. In fact, the repeal had never been 
formally made public at Paris, although the capture of 
American vessels by the French ceased at the time speci- 



REPEAL OF THE ORDERS IN COUNCIL. 1812. 



257 



fied. At length, after much negotiation, Napoleon pub- 
lished his act of repeal on the 28th of April, 1811. The 
British cabinet then, in consequence of promises repeatedly- 
given to follow the example of France, issued, on the 23d 
of June, 1812, a conditional revocation of the orders in 
council. This measure, had it been adopted a few months 
sooner, would have prevented the war of 1812, and 
changed the whole subsequent course of American history. 




22^ 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Settlement of the Western States. — Expedi/ion of Daniel Boone 
to Kentucky — Henderson^ s expedition — hidian wars — Battle of Blue 
Licks — Emigration to the loest — Settlement of Tennessee — Settlement 
of Ohio — Purchase of Indian lands — Expedition of Lewis and Clarke — 
Intrigues of the British among the Indians — Hostility of Blue Jacket 
and Tecumseh — Impostures and intrigues of the prophet — Treaty of 
the Wahash — Negotiations with Tecumseh — Confederacy of the Indian 
tribes against the United Slates — Indian murders and robberies — General 
Harrison marches against the Indians — Battle of Tippecanoe — Defeat 
and dispersion of the enemy — Flight of the prophet. 

We must now suspend our narrative of the foreign rela- 
tions of the United States, in order to give the reader a 
connected relation of the exploration and settlement of the 
vast American domains in the west. The long chain of 
the Allegany mountains, drawn like a belt along the baclt 
frontier of the Atlantic states, was for many years the 
boundary, not only of settlement, but even of knowledge 
and ideas respecting the North American continent. The 
discoveries which the French from Canada and Louisiana 
made of the regions on the Mississippi, sulliciently showed 
that the original notions of the narrowness of the continent 
W3re very far from the truth. It was long before the 
settlers suspected the magnitude of the territory which lay 
between the mountains and the river, and that this com- 
prised a valley, the most extensive, the most fertile, and 
the most finely watered, that exists, probably, on the face 
of the globe. It was obvious, however, that beyond the 
mountains there lay a vast region to which the United. 
States had an undoubted claim. As, therefore, the eastern 
territory became comparatively filled up, and the spirit of 
emigration and enterprise received new stimulants, iha 



BOONE's expedition to KENTUCKY. — 1769. 259 

eyes of the people were turned in that direction. The 
settlement of this region, however, was attended with so 
many dangers, that only a few of the most adventurous 
and brave spirits attempted at first to break through these 
barriers. 




Colonel Boone 7naking a settlement in Kentucky, 

Daniel Boone, at first a farmer and a hunter, and after- 
wards a colonel, had the merit of first penetrating into and 
exploring Kentucky. On the 1st of May, 1769. he set out, 
with five companions, from his farm on the Yadkin, in 
North Carolina. He passed the moimtain wilderness, and, 
on the 7th of June, found himself on the banks of a river 
flowing westward toward the Mississippi. Ascending an 
eminence, he saw spread before him the vast and beautiful 
forest plains of Kentucky. Plunging into the bosom Of 
this fruitful wilderness, he found it peopled Avith number- 
less wild animals, particularly buffaloes, in immense 
droves. The Indians, however, were already lying in 
wait to attack the adventurers. That race seem to have 
felt an instinctive conviction that the moment in which 
a white man should fix his foot on the soil west of the AUe- 
ganies, would be fatal to the name and existence of the 
red tribes. They, therefore, manifested their hostility at 



260 SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 

the very outset. As Boone and one of his companions 
were straying from the rest of the party, they were set 
upon by the Indians and made prisoners. They experi- 
enced great crueUy, and expected more ; but Boone, always- 
on the watch, caught a moment when the savages lay in 
deep slumber, touched his companion, and they made their 
escape. He soon after had the satisfaction of meeting his 
brother, who had come across the mountains in search of 
him. They spent a considerable time in roaming about 
this vast country, where tliere was not a white man except 
their own party, exposed to continual dangers, but finding 
delight in this wild independence. At length Boone, in 
1773, brought his family into the country; they were 
accompanied by five other families, and forty persons more 
joined them on the road. In their passage across the 
mountains, they were attacked by Indians, and lost six of 
their number. 

Kentucky now began to attract the attention of the gov- 
ernment. Governor Dun more, of Virginia, appointed offi- 
cers to survey the country, and engaged Boone to attend 
them as a guide. He accordingly completed, along with 
them, in sixty days, a tour of eight hundred miles, which 
enabled them to form a more complete idea than before of 
the extent and capabilities of the country. Soon after, a 
colonial undertaking was projected on a greater scale, 
Nathaniel Henderson, a self-taught man, who had raised 
himself by his talents to the judicial bench, crossed the 
Allcganies with ten wagons, loaded with coarse woollen 
cloths, spirits, and other articles for trading with the 
Indians. With the aid of Boone, he convened a meeting 
of "the Cherokees at Wataga, in March, 1775, where he 
concluded a treaty, by which they ceded to him one hun- 
dred square miles of territory on the Kentucky and Ohio. 
An old Cherokee, however, closed the transaction by say- 
ing, " Brothers, we have given you a fine land, but you 
will have trouble in settling it." Henderson now vacated 
his seat on the bench, and commenced sovereign and legis- 
lator. By grants of valuable land on the most liberal 
terms, he attracted settlers from all parts, composed a new 



SETTLEMENT OF KENTUCKY. 1780. 261 

code of laws expressly for them, and administered the gov- 
ernment without reference to any authority higher than 
his own. The whole of this proceeding, however, was 
considered absolutely inconsistent with the duties which 
he owed as a British subject. The purchase of lands, and, 
much more, of a kingdom, had been expressly prohibited, 
without the concurrence of the governors and provincial 
assemblies. Henderson's proceedings were not sanctioned 
by the government; all persons were forbidden to join him, 
and he himself was outlawed, and a reward offered for his 
apprehension. But the warrants of government could not 
yet be executed on the banks of the Ohio. The Indians, 
having made a fair bargain, considered it a point of honor 
to maintain him in possession of the territory, and his 
colony was daily augmented by new emigrants. 

Henderson, however, was unable permanently to estab- 
lish his claim. The legislature of Virginia decided against 
his pretensions, but made him and his associates an indem- 
nity, by granting them two hundred thousand acres of 
land, at the mouth of Green river, with which they were 
satisfied. The system of colonization in the western ter- 
ritory, being thus fairly put in train, seemed likely to 
advance with rapid steps ; but it encountered a powerful 
check from the revolutionary war. The British govern- 
ment, by the most inhuman policy, engaged the savages 
as their allies, and the frontier settlements were soon ex- 
posed to all the horrors of Indian warfare. At Boonsbor- 
ough they began their hostilities by hovering round the 
settlement, destroying the cattle, and shooting the men at 
the plough. As their numbers increased, they made bolder 
advances, and closely invested the fortification in which 
the settlers had secured themselves. Boone himself, sally- 
ing out to obtain provision, was captured. He found 
means, however, to ingratiate himself with the Indians, 
and his life was spared. He was carried off, first to De- 
troit, and then to Chillicothe. Here, seeing a body of four 
hundred Indians, painted and armed for an attack upon 
Boonsborough, he stole oflT, and, travelling one hundred 
and sixty miles, with only a single meal, reached the fort. 



262 SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 

The Indians appeared in a few days, and invested it, but. 
not being skilful in this species of warfare, they were re- 
pulsed by the small body of defenders, and obliged to raise 
the siege. The Indians, however, laid waste the neigh- 
boring settlements, and hostilities were kept up without 
any abatement. A bloody battle was fought at Blue Licks 
on the 19lh of August, 1782. A body of settlers, to the 
number of one hundred and seventy-six, rashly attacked a 
very superior force of Indians, and were defeated, with the 
loss of sixty-one killed and eight made prisoners. 

The termination of the revolutionary war checked the 
hostile incursions of the savages, and they were obliged to 
abandon Kentucky to the settlers. The fertility of the soil, 
which was found superior to that of any of the old states, 
the desire to possess landed property, and the spirit of 
enterprise kindled by the late contest, united to urge the 
Americans into this path of adventure. A tide of popula- 
tion began to flow across the Alleganies, amounting some- 
times to twenty thousand persons in a year, and producing 
a growth the most rapid, perhaps, that ever took place in 
any society. In 1782, there were only a few hundred 
inhabitants; in 1790, they had increased to seventy-three 
thousand; in 1800, to two hmidred and twenty thousand. 
In the first enthusiasm of emigration, many persons, not 
being able to dispose of their property in the Atlantic 
states with sufficient despatch, are said to have abandoned 
it altogether, rather than delay their departure. Yet the 
difficulties of emigration were not small ; the steep ridge 
of the Alleganies was to be crossed, over which no road 
existed passable for carriage or wagon. All who emigrated 
went on foot or on horseback. They were exposed to 
danger from the Indians, who, though unable to make 
head in open combat, carried on desultory and destructive 
attacks. 

Troubles also beset them after these difficulties and 
dangers were surmounted. The business of disposing of 
the lands was not yet reduced to a regular system ; neither 
the description of the locality, nor the mode of conveying 
the title, was sufficiently accurate, and in many cases gross 



SETTLEMENT OF TENNESSEE.- — 1796. 263 

impositions were practised. Lots of one hundred thousand 
acres of territory, that never existed, were sold in Europe, 
and even in the great towns of the United States. The 
consequence was, that the titles in Kentucky were, in gen- 
eral, exceedingly vague, and subjected to conflicting claims, 
which could only be settled by the tedious remedy of a 
lawsuit. The only check to this evil which the govern- 
ment could devise, was, to ordain that the old claimant, 
who ejected the actual possessor, should indemnify him 
for all expenses incurred in brhiging it under cultivation ; 
a penalty which, joined to the previous lawsuit, proved 
often a sufficient bar to the enforcement even of a legal 
right. Kentucky was admitted into the Union in 1792. 

Kentucky was found to be bounded on the south by a 
long and lofty branch of the Alleganies, called the Cum- 
berland or Laurel Mountains ; and, so long as fertile tracts 
of unoccupied land continued to be found in abundance in 
Kentucky, no attempt was made to pass this barrier. 
When, however, the crowds which came yearly over the 
mountains, found all the best land occupied, they began 
to look across the mountains, and a brisk movement took 
place in that direction. They found a soil highly favor- 
able to vegetation, and watered by fine streams ; but here 
it was necessary to travel in caravans, to guard against the 
attacks of the Cherokees. A bloody war was to be main- 
tained with that powerful tribe, who were, at length, partly 
subdued and partly conciliated. Tennessee, which, in 
1790, had so few inhabitants that it was not thought 
advisable to number them, contained, in 1800, a popula- 
tion of one hundred and five thousand. The state was 
admitted into the Union in 1796. 

After the settlement of Kentucky and Tennessee, a vast 
range of territory, extending twelve hundred miles along 
the northern bank of the Ohio, remained still in the undis- 
turbed possession of the natives. The districts bordering 
on Pennsylvania and Canada had been formerly a debata- 
ble ground between the French and English, and were 
occupied only by military posts. The most important of 
these was Fort Du Quesne, which fell into the hands of 



264 



SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 



the English, during the war of 1756, and subsequently 
became Pittsburg. After the peace of 1763 had confirmed 
all these regions to Great Britain, that government, by a 
most absurd regulation, prohibited the formation of settle- 
ments upon any waters except those flowing into the Atlan- 
tic. The tempting aspect and luxuriant fertility of the 
plains of the Ohio, attracted emigrants in spite of every 
obstacle. But the hostility of the Indians, to which they 
were exposed, without any protection, rendered their situ- 
ation extremely precarious. These dangers increased dur- 
ing the war of independence, when these fierce tj'ibes were 
supported by British aid. It was not till the year 1788, 
that the Ohio Company of New England formed a settle- 




Settlement of Marietta. 



ment, on a considerable scale, at Marietta, at the conflu- 
ence of the Muskingum and the Ohio. The settlers 
continued to be harassed by the Indians, whose enmity 
broke out repeatedly into open war, till, in 1795, a pacifi- 
cation was effected at Greenville, and the government of 
the United States began, on a large scale, that system of 
purchase, which has since proved so rich a source of in- 
come to the country. The Wyandots, Delawares, Pota- 
Avotamies, Kickapoos, and other tribes, received the value 



SETTLEMENT OF OHIO. — 1302. 265 

of twenty thousand dollars in manufactured goods, to- 
gether with,an obligation on the part of the United States to 
pay them annually the value of nine thousand five hundred 
dollars. The Indians ceded to the United States the most 
valuable of the lands on the north bank of the Ohio, to 
its junction Vv^ith the Miami. In this transaction the red 
men sold, like Esau, their birthright and their home for a 
trifle. Yet when we reflect, that, by this process, vast 
regions, that were then a howling wilderness, have been 
converted into the abode of populous and civilized commu- 
nities, and that it was a proceeding much more equitable 
and mild than those which have commonly effected this 
object, we feel our censure of it disarmed. 

The government of the United States, having thus secured 
the peaceable disposal of a great extent of rich territory, 
soon adopted a systematic mode of distribution, which at 
once secured the titles of the proprietors, and brought an 
ample revenue into the treasury. The land was parti- 
tioned into townships of six miles square. Those town- 
ships were subdivided into sections of six hundred and 
forty acres, and these into quarter sections. The lands 
were put up to sale in quarter sections, and reservations 
were made for the erection of schools and seminaries of 
learning. Ohio, Avhich, in 1787, contained only five thou- 
sand inhabitants, in 1802 numbered sixty thousand. Ohio 
was admitted into the Union in 1802, 

Ohio being thus speedily filled up, the bold enterprise of 
the American emigrant pushed him forward into new 
regions, where wide tracts of rich land might be found. 
By the Indian treaty of 1795, the Americans had obtained 
some territories beyond the Miami. In 1804, 180.5, and 
1 809, fresh treaties conveyed to them the best of the lands 
between that river and the Wabash, — the lowest and largest 
tributary of the Ohio. This was erected into a territory 
under the name of Indiana. 

A bold and hazardous exploring expedition was projected 

by the American government, destined to cross the entir^ 

breadth of the continent, to penetrate into regions known 

hitherto only by the faintest rumor, and to reach the 

23 



266 



SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 



Pacific, the grand western boundary of America. Its first 
destination was to ascend to its source the Missouri, aheady 
known as the greatest tributary of the Mississippi, or rather 
as the primary river, to which the Mississippi itself is sub- 
ordinate. This expedition was planned by President Jef- 
ferson, a zealous promoter of interior discovery; and it was 
led by Captain Meriwether Lewis, his private secretary, 
and by Captain William Clarke, with a band of troops and 
attendants, amounting in all to forty-five ; of which six- 
teen, however, were only to proceed to a certain distance. 
They had a keel-boat, fifty-five feet long, accompanied by 
two open boats, called periogues. On the 16th of May, 
1804, after a winter spent in preparation, they were afloat 
on the Missouri. Some miles up that river, the French had 
already founded the village of St, Charles, still peopled by 
their nation to the number of four hundred and fifty. 

The Osage river is the first grand tributary of the Mis- 
souri. It runs from the southwest through a fertile coun- 
try. The people of the same name, comprising three tribes, 
of upwards of twelve hundred warriprs, appeared large and 




Indians huntinf' in deerskins. 



well-formed, but less warlike than the northern Indians, 

'who have also the advantage over them of using the rifle. 

The expedition then came to the important tributary of the 

Kansas, flowing from the westward, and which, at the 



LEWIS AND Clarke's expedition. — 1804. 267 

junction, is more than half the breadth of the Missouri. 
The Indians of the same name, on its banks, have been 
reduced to three hundred, — as, though equally fierce and 
warlike, they were unable to withstand the fire-arms with 
which their enemies, the Sauks and Ayauways, have been 
supplied by the European traders. Higher up they came 
to the great estuary of the Platte, coming from sources far 
in the west, and rolling a more rapid stream than the Mis- 
souri itself This river is occupied by considerable tribes 
of Indians. The Pawnees ranked once among the most 
numerous of the Missouri races; and, though they have 
suffered severely in their contests with the Indians of the 
west, they still count four considerable bands. The Ottoes, 
once their rivals, are now much reduced, and obliged to 
place themselves under their protection. Both these tribes 
cultivate the ground, and employ themselves only occa- 
sionally in hunting. The Kite Indians, farther to the west, 
are constantly on horseback, and are so named from the 
rapidity of their movements. They are the fiercest of all 
the Indians, never yielding in battle, or sparing their ene- 
mies. 

Above the Platte, the Missouri became less rapid and 
more winding; and the scenery, consisting of a valley 
enclosed between two ranges of bold heights or bluffs, was 
extremely interesting. Here the Americans had a confer- 
ence with fourteen of the Ottoe and Missouri Indians. The 
grand chief, indeed, whose name in English signifies Little 
Thief, was unfortunately absent; but Big Horse, White 
Horse, and Hospitality, held a most amicable conference, 
expressed their satisfaction with the change of government 
to the United States, and hoped their great father, the 
president, would send them arms for hunting and defence. 
The Missouri was found here to wind in an extraordinary 
manner. Near this spot, the Americans were visited by 
eight chiefs of tlie Ottoes and Missouris, among whom was 
now Little Thief, accompanied not only by Big Horse, but 
by Crow's Head, Black Cat, Big Ox, and Big Blue Eyes. 
With these worthies a very amicable council was held, 
concluded by a dram ; and as they honestly confessed, that, 



268 



SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 



in the present war, they had been themselves the aggres- 
sors, by steahng two horses and some corn, Captain Lewis 
more readily and hopefully undertook to mediate an accom- 
modation. Proceeding upwards, they came to the Ricaress, 
a handsome and well-proportioned race, and in their beha- 
vior somewhat more meritorious than the others. Their 
chiefs, Lighting Crow and Eagle's Feather, declined the 
proffer of whiskey, and expressed wonder that their great 
father should send them a liquor which made men fools. 
They received presents with thankfulness, but did not beg 
them in the importunate style of the former Indians. 




Indian dance. 



By the time the party reached the latitude of 47°, six- 
teen hundred miles above the Missouri junction, a cold wind 
blew from the northwest, ice began to form on the rivers, 
and all the symptoms of winter were thickening. They 
determined to build a fort, where they might spend the 
winter with some comfort, and be ready in the spring to 
start for the head of the Missouri and the passage of the 
Rocky Mountains. They called it Fort Mandan, from the 
Indian people among whom they now were. Here they 
spent the winter. On the 7th April, 1805, the party broke 



LEWIS AND Clarke's expedition. — 1804. 269 

up from Fort Mandan, thirty-two strong, in six canoes, and 
two large periogues. On the 13th, they passed the influx 
of the rapid stream of the Little Missouri, and on the 26th 
came to the much more important river of the Yellowstone, 
descending from the Black Mountains, and almost rivalling 
the Missouri itself. These two rivers rolled through wide 
plains, varied with wood, and animated by vast herds of 
buffalo, deer, elk, and antelope. The abundance of game 
was now most extraordinary. Buffaloes were seen to the 
number of three thousand, and on some occasions even ten 
thousand at once. They were intermingled, however, with 
animals of a more formidable character, among which the 
brown bear was preeminently terrible. 

Continuing to ascend in an almost due westerly direction 
from the junction of the YelloAvstone, the party came to 
two great channels, or forks, as the Americans call them, 
which involved the leaders in great perplexity. One flowed 
from the north and the other from the south, and they were 
unable to decide which was the real Missouri, by ascend- 
ing which they Avould reach the head of the Columbia. 
The great falls of the Missouri were to afford the only sure 
test by which this doubtful question was to be solved. In 
search of these they formed a light exploratory expedition, 
depositing their heavy goods in a hole, or cache, as the 
French traders called it, floored with dry branches, cov- 
ered with skins, and earth over them. In two days they 
came to a ridge, from the top of which they had a beauti- 
ful view of the Rocky Mountains, now completely covered 
with snow, and consisting of several ranges rising above 
each other, till the most distant mingled with the clouds. 
On the following day a sound was heard as of a distant 
waterfall, and spray driven before the wind rose high above 
the plain like a column of smoke. The sound, swelling 
as they approached, became at length too tremendous to be 
anything but the great fall of the Missouri. Captain Lewis, 
hurrying impatiently over some rugged rocks which inter- 
vened, at length reached the centre, and enjoyed the sub- 
lime spectacle of this stupendous object, which, since the 
creation, had been lavishing its magnificence on the desert. 
23^ 



270 SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 

The river here throws itself down a precipice of three hun- 
dred yards wide, for about a third of which breadth it falls 
in one smooth and unbroken sheet. 

The identity of the Missouri being thus established 
beyond all controversy, the expedition was immediately 
moved up the river. The voyage was laborious, there 
being a rapid current against them, and the channel often 
obstructed by inlets and shallows. The first mountain 
ranges now hemmed in the river more closely, and often 
hung over it in perpendicular cliffs. It was not, however, 
till the 19th July that they came to the grand gates of the 
Rocky Mountains. Of all pass-scenery in the world, this 
appears to be the most awful. The rocks, for upwards of 
five miles, rising perpendicularly from the water's edge, 
form a most sublime and extraordinary spectacle. For 
three miles there is not a spot, except one of a few yards, 
on which a man can stand between the water and the per- 
pendicular mountain-wall. The frowning darkness of 
these rocks projecting over the river, and menacing destruc- 
tion to all beneath, appeared to the navigators truly awful. 
The Missouri, at some distance above, was found separat- 
ing into three branches, which, coming from the loftiest 
recesses of the rocky chain, united to form it. 

Continually ascending towards the most central recesses 
of the Rocky Moimtains, they at last came to a point where 
a foot could be placed on each side of the river ; and one of 
the party, in a fit of enthusiasm, thanked God that he had 
lived to bestride the Missouri. Proceeding onward, they 
reached a small gap, formed by high mountains on each 
side ; from the foot of one of which welled out the spring- 
head of this greatest river in the world, and whose channel 
for three thousand miles they had so laboriously ascended. 
They had now reached the hidden sources of that river, 
which had never yet been seen by civilized man ; and as 
they quencjied tlieir thirst at the chaste and icy fountain, 
— as they sat down by the brink of that little rivulet, — they 
felt themselves rewarded for all their labors and all their 
difficulties. " Proceeding onward, they found the roads 
excessively rough, strewed Avith rocks and large stones, 



LEWIS AND Clarke's expedition. — 1804. 271 

over which it seemed absokitely impossible to ride; but the 
fine Indian horses, quite accustomed to these obstacles, 
carried them easily and swiftly over every difficulty. At 
length they came in view of a mountain, the loftiest yet 
seen, and were told that its rocky sides hemmed in the 
river so close as to prevent all possibility of passing. It 
was necessary, therefore, to set out in a different and more 
northerly direction, by which they might reach the river 
below this obstruction. They had a very severe journey, 
and the Americans, though they could endure considerable 
hardship, were ill able to brook a privation of the first 
wants of nature, which, in the course of the journey, began 
to be experienced. Their first resource was to kill and eat 
the horses on which they rode, though rather too meagre 
for the purpose. They were next fain to purchase and 
dress the dogs which the natives kept for domestic pur- 
poses, though they themselves had so little idea of eating 
them, that they called the strangers by the opprobrious 
name of dog-eaters. 

Passing through several tribes of Indians, they reached 
the Columbia, and saw in the west, at the distance of one 
hundred and fifty miles, a very high mountain, covered with 
snow, which, from its direction and appearance, was sup- 
posed to be Mount St. Helens, laid down by Vancouver, as 
visible from the mouth of that river. In four days they 
came to the great falls. As they descended the Columbia, 
its channel gradually widened, till it attained a breadth of 
two miles, and even expanded into a species of bay filled 
with islands. Then, having ascended a hill, and the fog, 
which had involved the western horizon, clearing up, they 
enjoyed the delightful prospect of the ocean; — that mighty 
ocean, the boundary of America and of American domin- 
ion, to reach which had been the object of all their labors, 
the ground of all their anxieties. This grand and cheering 
prospect, and the distant roar of the breakers, gave new life 
to all the travellers. Yet they had not reached the end of 
their troubles. They were tossed about for a fortnight in 
a sea which their frail canoes were ill able to sustain, and 
amid deluges of rain, before they could fix upon Meriwether 



272 SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 

Bay as a spot where they could securely establish them- 
selves for the winter. The expedition returned safely by 
the same route, the following year. 

The most unwarrantable interference with the Indians 
residing within the limits of the United States, was prac- 
tised by the British, from the year 1783, quite doAvn to the 
commencement of the war of 1812. During a great part 
of this time they kept the Indians in hostility with our west- 
ern settlements, and when the probability of a new Avar 
between the two countries became very strong, their in- 
trigues were pushed to such an extent as to infuse a gen- 
eral spirit of hostility into all the savage tribes within their 
influence. For some years before the war, Little Turtle 
and Blue Jacket were the leading chiefs among the north- 
western tribes. They had disagreed about the manner of 
opposing Wayne's army. The plan of Blue Jacket was 
adopted, and led to the total defeat of the Indians, as had 
been predicted by his rival. After this event, Little Turtle 
continued on friendly terms with the Americans. He was 
oC opinion that the Indian tribes were unable to contend 
against them ; that no national aid would be afforded them 
by the British ; and that, by going to war with the Ameri- 
cans, they would only lose more of their lands. Blue 
Jacket had more confidence in the British ; he thirsted for 
revenge against the Americans, and he wished to regain 
the lands which had been ceded by the treaty of Green- 
ville. His influence increased, while Little Turtle was 
becoming unpopular. He found in Tecumseh, a Shawanese 
chief whom he associated with himself in his views and pro- 
jects, an able and persevering coadjutor. The leading prin- 
ciples of their policy were, to unite all the tribes in one 
confederacy ; to prevent the sale of their lands by any single 
tribe, and to join the British in the event of a war, for the 
purpose of recovering the territories which they had 
already ceded. They contended that, by the treaty of 
Greenville, the United States had acknowledged the right 
to their lands to remain jointly in all the tribes, and that, 
consequently, the Americans had no right to purchase 
lands from any single tribe, without the consent of the 



INTRIGUES OF THE PROPHET. — 1804. 273 

Others. Blue Jacket did not live to execute his schemes, 
but they were dihgently pursued by Tecumseh, and this 
chief was encouraged and supported by the British agents. 

The various tribes who were in the habit of visiting 
Detroit and Sandwich, were annually subsidized by the 
British. Where the American agent, at Detroit, gave one 
dollar, by way of amnesty, the British agent, on the other 
side of the river, would give them ten. This may serve 
as a specimen of the arts by which the British endeavored 
to gain over the savage tribes to their interests. The 
Indians wished also to try their strength against the "big 
knife," as they called the Kentuckians, in order to wipe 
away the disgrace of their defeat by General Wayne. 
The British promised them aid in case of a war, and their 
natural inclination to bloodshed was thus inflamed, and 
they stood ready for hostile movements the moment a 
favorable opportunity should occur. About the year 1S04, 
a Shawanese Indian, the brother of Tecumseh, proclaimed 
himself a prophet, alleging that he had been commanded 
by the Great Spirit, who made the red man, to inform them 
that the misfortunes they had encountered were owing to 
their having abandoned the mode of life which he had pre- 
scribed for them, and adopted the manners and dress of 
the whites ; and he was commanded to tell them that they 
must return to their former habits, and dress in skins 
instead of blankets. The prophet fixed his residence at 
Greenville, where the treaty was made in 1795. 

The fame of this chief soon spread through the surround- 
ing tribes, and he quickly found himself at the head of a 
considerable band of followers, composed principally of the 
most licentious and dissolute young men of the Shawanese, 
Delawares, Wyandots, Potawotamies, Ottawas, Chippe- 
ways and Kickapoos. Besides these, he was visited by 
immense crowds from the tribes of the Mississippi and 
Lake Superior. The most absurd stories were told and 
believed by the Indians, of his power to perform miracles, 
and they exposed themselves to all sorts of fatigue and 
suffering to get a sight of him. The people of Ohio became 
much alarmed at this great assemblage of the Indians upon 



274 SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 

their frontier, and a mission was sent by the governor of 
that state, to insist upon their removal. The United States' 
agent at Fort Wayne, also made a remonstrance to the 
prophet against his design of forming a permanent settle- 
ment at Greenville, which was within the boundary of the 
United States. Accordingly, in 1808, the prophet removed 
to the Wabash, and fixed his residence on the northern 
bank of that river, near the mouth of a small stream 
called tliQ Tippecanoe. 

The land in this neighborhood was the property of the 
Miamis, who made strong objections to the occupancy of 
it by the prophet; but he had too strong a band of 
adherents to be expelled by force, and continued to remain 
in that spot. In September, 1809, a treaty was made 
between the American government and the Miamis, Dela- 
wares, and Potawotamies, by which the Indians ceded a 
tract extending sixty miles up the Wabash. The prophet 
and his followers were not parties to this treaty, as they 
had no claim to the land. During the negotiation of the 
treaty, Tecumseh was busy intriguing against the Ameri- 
cans ; and, after its accomplishment, he threatened to kill 
the chiefs who had signed it, and declared his determina- 
tion to prevent the land from being surveyed and settled. 
He brought great numbers of the Indians from the sur- 
rounding tribes to join his brother's party, and was, in 
fact, the prime mover in all the proceedings conducted in 
the name of the prophet. 

General Harrison, who was then governor of the North- 
west Territory, having heard of these doings, sent a mes- 
sage to Tecumseh, informing him that if he possessed any 
reasonable claim to lands ceded to the Americans, they 
should be given up, or indemnities offered for them. He 
invited him to Vincennes to exhibit his claim. Accord- 
ingly, in August, 1810, Tecumseh, attended by several 
hundred warriors, came to that town, and held a confer- 
ence with the governor. Tecumseh made a long speech, 
but said nothing to the purpose. General Harrison replied, 
and as soon as he had finished Tecumseh gave a signal 
to his warriors, on which they seized their tomahawks and 



INDIAN HOSTILITIES. — 1810. 276 

war-clubs, and sprang suddenly on their feet. The gov- 
ernor, with the greatest presence of mind, immediately 
sprang from his chair, drew his sword, and put himself in 
an attitude of defence. His situation was eminently criti- 
cal. None of his attendants were armed, and the Indians 
greatly outnumbered all the inhabitants of the town. His 
firm countenance, however, checked the audacity of the 
savages. He instantly ordered up a guard of a sergeant 
and twelve men, who were not far off; then, turning to 
Tecumseh, he told him he was a bad man, and he would 
have no further intercourse with him ; he therefore ordered 
him instantly to return home. The next morning, how- 
ever, Tecumseh made an apology, and desired another 
conference ; but the negotiations which followed came to 
nothing. 

The activity, zeal, and perseverance which this savage 
chief manifested in his endeavors to unite all the Indian 
tribes in a league against the Americans, are most remarka- 
ble. He visited all the tribes along the western bank of 
the Mississippi, and on the great lakes, repeatedly, before 
the year 1811. So sanguine were his followers, at this 
time, and to such a degree were they encouraged by the 
British agents, that they believed, in the event of a war 
between the British and Americans, they should be able 
to drive the Americans across the Ohio, and regain all the 
territory on the northwest of that river. The negotiations 
which preceded the treaty of Ghent, show that the British 
ministry indulged in a delusion equally extravagant. 

In the winter and spring of 1811, depredations and 
murders began to alarm the frontiers of the Indiana, 
Illinois and Missouri territories. The perpetrators were 
demanded of the respective Indian chiefs, but no satisfac- 
tion could be obtained. Alarm spread throughout all the 
westeru country. The inhabitants held meetings, and 
forwarded to Washington the most urgent requests for 
defensive measures against the hostilities of the Indians. 
The president immediately ordered Colonel Boyd's regi- 
ment, then quartered at Pittsburg, to repair, without delay, 
to Yincennes, and receive orders from Governor Harrison, 



276 SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 

who was also directed to raise a body of militia, for the 
defence of the country. Upon this announcement, compa- 
nies of militia and volunteers flocked to his head quarters, 
and he soon found himself at the head of a respectable 
force. 

In the latter part of September, Harrison commenced his 
march up the Wabash, with a force of about nine hundred 
eiFective men. Conformably to his orders from the presi- 
dent, he halted within the limits of the United States, and 
despatched some friendly Indians, as messengers, to the 
prophet, to induce him to deliver up the nnirderers, and 
the horses which had been stolen by his people. These 
negotiators were treated with great insolence, and the 
demands were rejected with disdain, by the prophet and his 
comicil. To put an end to all hope of accommodation, 
a small war-party of Indians approached the American 
camp for the purpose of commencing hostilities. Finding 
no stragglers without the lines, they fired upon a sentinel, 
and wounded him severely. Negotiation now appeared 
hopeless. The Delaware chiefs informed the governor 
that nothing but force would obtain either satisfaction for 
injuries done, or security for the future. The prophet's 
force was daily augmenting, and everything wore the 
most threatening aspect. In this state of affairs, Harrison 
judged it necessary to erect a fortification within the limits 
of the United States, where his invalids, of which he had 
a large number, might be deposited. In this fortification, 
which the officers named Fort Harrison, all the inefficient 
portion of the army having been deposited, the remainder 
took up the line of march for the enemy's country, on the 
29th of October. 

On the evening of the 5 th of November, the army 
reached a spot about two miles from the prophet's tOAvn. 
None of the enemy were yet seen. The troops encamped, 
and kept a strict guard, as it was ascertained that the 
prophet was already informed of their approach. The 
following day they recommenced their march, and dis- 
covered parties of the enemy, with whom attempts were 
made to open a communication by the advanced guards, 



BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 1811. 27f 

attended by interpreters. The enemy, however, rejected 
every pacific overture, and Harrison continued to advance. 
The country became broken by ravines and covered with 
thick woods and tall prairie grass. With great difficulty, 
and using the utmost precaution, the troops made their 
way, with clouds of Indians hanging on their flanks and 
front, till they arrived close to the prophet's town, where 
they encamped. Harrison now obtained a parley with the 
Indians, who put on a pacific countenance, and professed 
a wish to avoid hostilities. A suspension of arms was, 
accordingly, agreed upon, and the following day appointed 
to hold a conference, and discuss terms of peace. Things 
now wore a pacific aspect, and the soldiers began to ex- 
press their regrets at being obliged to return to their homes 
without witnessing a battle. 

Harrison, however, Avas not thrown ofi" his guard by 
these friendly demonstrations. Familiar with Indian 
character and Indian arts, he suspected treachery, and, 
like a prudent general, took all precaution against a sur- 
prise. The strictest arrangements were made to meet a 
sudden attack. The front and rear lines were composed 
of United States' troops, flanked by companies of militia. 
Three companies of mounted riflemen were posted on the 
left flank, and the remaining cavalry were stationed in 
the rear of the front line and left flank. A very strong 
night guard was put upon duty, orders issued for the 
sharpest vigilance to be observed throughout the camp, 
and the troops to lay on their arms. These precautions 
were by no means superfluous. The treacherous savages 
had made preparations to assault the camp under cover of 
the night, and, by killing the sentinels before an alarm 
could be given, to surprise the sleeping soldiers, whom 
they hoped to massacre before they had time to prepare 
for their defence. The sun went down quietly; the hum 
and bustle of the Indian town died away, and everything 
seemed hushed in repose. The night, at the beginning, 
was cloudy and dark ; the moon rose late, and, after mid- 
night, there was a drizzling rain ; day-break was not far 
24 



278 SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 

off, and all the dangers of the night were apparently past : 
but this was the very moment of peril. 

A little after four in the morning, a sentry was gazing 
upon the marshy prairie which skirted the front of the 
camp. Never had he seen the tall grass so strangely 
agitated. Not a breath of wind was blowing, yet the sur- 
face of the prairie was moving as if stirred by a strong 
breeze. He cried, "Who goes there'?" but not a sound 
was heard in reply. His eye scrutinized every part of the 
waving field before him, but no living thing could be seen. 
Suddenly, with the quick thought of a backwoodsman, he 
stooped to the earth, and looking under the tall grass, 
behold ! an Indian silently and cautiously creeping towards 
him ! In an instant he fired ; a tremendous Indian yell 
burst from the cover, and a cloud of savages rushed at 
once upon the left flank of the Americans. The guard in 
that quarter gave way, overpowered by the suddenness 
and fury of the attack. But the general and the other 
chief ofiicers were already at their posts. Knowing the 
greatest danger of surprise to be towards morning, they 
had risen before the assault commenced. Dispositions to 
meet the enemy were promptly made; and the mounted 
riflemen received the next onset. The Indians, expert in 
the use of muskets, poured in a most destructive fire ; but 
the troops, who sprang to their arms at a moment's warning, 
received the attack with the greatest firmness. The onset 
of the savages was such as to strike terror into every one, 
yet all orders were executed with coolness and promptitude. 
The camp fires were immediately extinguished, that the 
enemy might be embarrassed for want of light. 

The attack was now extended to all quarters of the 
camp post, flank and rear. The dragoons on the left were 
severely annoyed by the enemy lodged in the woods. In 
the other quarters, the Indians advanced and retreated, 
making a loud rattling noise with deer-hoofs. They fought 
with desperation, and seemed resolved to conquer or die. 
The troops, however, firmly stood their ground. During 
the contest, the prophet remained in safety on an adjacent 
eminence, singing a war-song. He had told his followers 



BATTLE' OF TIPPECANOE. 1811. 279 

that the Great Spirit would render the arms of the whites 
unavaiUng, and that their bullets would not hurt the In- 
dians, who would have light, while their enemies were 
involved in thick darkness. The fight raged with unabated 
fury, and he was informed that his men were falling. He 
told them to fight on, and they would soon see his predic- 
tions accomplished ; and then he began to sing louder. But 
his incantations failed of effect ; the American bullets con- 
tiimed to strike down the savage assailants ; and their 
tumultuous onsets could not shake the firmness of the 
troops. Major Davies's cavalry made an attack upon the 
Indians in the woods, but the major being mortally 
wounded, the attack was repulsed. A company of infantry 
then advanced to the charge, with fixed bayonets, and 
drove the enemy from the wood. Daylight now approached, 
and a body of infantry and cavalry, under Major Wells, 
advanced upon the enemy's right. The Indian line was 
broken, repulsed and driven into a swamp. Attacks, at the 
same time, were made upon the remaining bodies of the 
enemy, who were all driven from their ground, and the vic- 
tory of the Americans was complete. Forty Indians were 
found dead on the field of battle. Numbers of dead were 
carried off", and many were subsequently found buried, and 
thrown three and four together into holes and places of 
concealment. Their total loss in killed and wounded was 
estimated at one hundred and fifty. The American loss 
was equally severe. Among the killed were nine officers. 
General Harrison had a musket ball graze his head, cutting 
off" a lock of hair. 

The victory of Tippecanoe immediately dispersed all 
the hostile Indians in the neighborhood. The prophet's 
town was found deserted by all but an old chief, whose leg 
was broken. He was treated with humanity and attention. 
His wounds were dressed, and he was instructed to tell his 
countrymen that if they would abandon the prophet, and 
return peaceably to their respective tribes, they would be 
forgiven. It was judged necessary to destroy the prophet's 
town, which had been the rendezvous for all the bad 
characters in that quarter, and all the enemies of the United 



280 



SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN STATES. 



States. The houses were burnt, the utensils of the Indians, 
and corn and other provisions, destroyed. The army 
remained in camp two days, to dress the wounded, and 
then returned to Vincennes. The prophet, after his flight 
from Tippecanoe, was instantly abandoned by all his fol- 
lowers, who, after this defeat, lost all faith in his super- 
natural pretensions. Even his life was endangered by the 
sudden change in the feeling of those whom he had too 
successfully deluded. Most of the Indian tribes who had 
been influenced by his arts, seeing him driven from his 
sanctuary and strong-hold, and all his impostures exposed, 
offered their submission to the United States, and sued for 
peace. The prophet fled to Canada, where, for many years, 
he lived on a pension from the British government, and 
afterwards emigrated to the west of the Mississippi. 




CHAPTER XV. 

War of 1812. — Relations ivilh Great Britain — Bad faith of the British 
cahinct — Impressment of American seamen — Affair of John Henry — 
Party dissensions — Declaration of ivar loith Great Brilaiii — Mob at 
Baltimore — Cruise of Commodore Rogers — Chase of the Constitution 
— Capture of the Gucrriere — Capture of the Alert — Capture of the Mace- 
donian — Capture of the Frolic — Capture of the Java — Exultation of the 
Americans — Military operations by land — Errors of the cabinet — Cam- 
paign of General Hull — Invasion of Canada — Capture of Mackinaw 
by the British — Surrender of Hull's army — Harrison' s march — Capture 
of Fort Defiance — War on the Nia gara frontier — Dearborn's armis- 
tice — Attack on Queenstown — Misconduct of the New York militia — 
Affairs on the lakes — End of the campaign of 1812 — Meeting of con- 
gress — Negotiations for peace — Reelection of Mr. Madison. 

We now return to the foreign afiairs of the United States. 
Early in 1812, the relations of the comitry with Great 
Britain had reached a critical point. All the negotiations 
with the British cabinet led to no satisfactory results, but, 
on the contrary, produced nothing but chicanery and equiv- 
ocation. It was evidently their wish to protract the settle- 
ment of affairs as long as possible. The American com- 
merce offered a rich harvest of plunder for the British 
cruisers, and the American crews Avere a constant source 
for the supply of recruits for their navy by impressment. 
Thousands of sailors, Avith the legal evidence of their citi- 
zenship in their pockets, were taken forcibly from Ameri- 
can ships, and compelled to serve in the British navy. The 
impression began to prevail that a resort to arms was the 
only thing which could redeem the character of the nation 
and compel foreign powers to respect her flag. In Novem- 
ber, 1811, President Madison recommended to congress that 
the country should be put in a state of defence ; yet the 
hope of accommodating difficulties by negotiation was still 
24* 



282 WAR OF 1812. 

SO strong, that nothing of consequence Avas done except 
authorizing a loan of eleven millions of dollars in March, 
1812. 

The feeling of hostility to England was further aggra- 
vated by an affair which came to light about this time. 
While the embargo law was in operation, the governor of 
Canada had despatched a secret emissary, named John 
Henry, into the eastern states, to sound the disposition of 
the people, who were thought inclined to dissolve the 
Union and revolt against the federal government. This 
man does not appear to have disclosed his mission to any 
person in the United States, but he wrote despatches to the 
governor, containing the news which he had picked up on 
his journey. Not being rewarded by the British govern- 
ment for his services, he disclosed the whole affair to the 
American cabinet, who paid him fifty thousand dollars for 
his papers. These documents were published by the 
American government, and gave rise to much discussion, 
not only in the United States, but in Great Britain. Lord 
Liverpool, the British prime minister, defended the pro- 
ceeding in the house of lords, but it was generally consid- 
ered, both in America and Europe, as a transaction highly 
discreditable to the British government. 

It was now evident that hostilities with Great Britain 
could not be avoided much longer. There were grounds 
of complaint, too, against France, but it was admitted on 
all hands that the insults of the British were by far the 
most aggravating. Violent party dissensions agitated the 
United States, as the prospect of a war grew more and more 
certain. At length, on the 1st of June, 1812, the subject 
was proposed to congress in a message from President 
Madison. After a warm debate, a declaration of war was 
passed in the house of representatives by a majority of 
thirty, and in the senate by a majority of six. It received 
the signature of the president on the 18th of June, 1812, 
and on that day war existed between the United States 
and Great Britain. 

Party spirit, at this period, raged with uncommon vio- 
lence. The opposition to the government was strong, and 



WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. 1812. 283 

the declaration of war was denounced as a desperate and 
fatal measure. The country was m a most imperfect state 
of defence, with hardly anything like an army or navy, 
and the most wealthy and populous portion of the Union 
was the most decidedly averse to the war. The commer- 
cial towns of the eastern states, which had the most to 
suffer from hostilities, were, of course, the most strenuous 
in opposing it. The extravagant gains of commerce, in 
spite of the enormous hazards attending it, offered still an 
irresistible attraction. Troubles also menaced the country 
in other quarters. A mob, at Baltimore, on the 20th of 
June, assaulted the office of a newspaper which was dis- 
tinguished for the violence of its opposition to the war. 
On the 2Sth of July, another mob made an attack on the 
house of the editor, and the next day further outrages 
were perpetrated ; one person was killed, and several 
wounded. 

At the moment of the declaration of war, a squadron, 
under Commodore Rogers, lay at New York, consisting 
of the frigates President, Congress, United States, and the 
sloop of war Hornet. On the 21st of June, they put to sea, 
in pursuit of a British squadron, which had sailed as the 
convoy of the West India fleet the preceding month. 
While thus engaged, the Britisli frigate Belvidera was 
discovered, to which they instantly gave chase. The 
chase was continued from early in the morning until past 
four in the afternoon, when the President, outsailing the 
other vessels, had come within gun-shot; she opened a fire 
with her bow guns, intending to cripple the Belvidera, 
which returned it with her stern-chasers. The firing was 
kept up for ten minutes, when one of the guns of the Pres- 
ident burst, killed and wounded sixteen men, and fractured 
the leg of the commodore. By this accident, and the 
explosion of the passing-box, the decks were so much shat- 
tered, as to render the guns on one side useless. The ship 
was then put about, and a broadside fired, but without the 
desired effect, though considerable injury was done the 
Belvidera. This vessel, having thrown overboard every- 
thing she could spare, now gained ground. The chase 



284 WAR OF 1812. 

was continued until eleven o'clock at night, before it was 
deemed hopeless. The squadron then continued in pursuit 
of the convoy, which it did not give over until within sight 
of the British channel ; then stood for the island of Madeira, 
and thence, passing the Azores, stood for Newfoundland, 
and thence, by Cape Sable, arrived at Boston the 30th of 
August, having made prize of several British vessels ; but, 
owing to the haziness of the weather, they were less suc- 
cessful than might have been expected. The frigate Essex 
went to sea from New York on the 3d of July. The brigs 
Nautilus and Vixen were at the same time cruising off the 
coast. The sloop of war Wasp was at sea, on her return 
from France. 

The Constitution, Captain Hull, sailed from Annapolis 
on the 5th of July. On the morning of the 17th, off Egg 
Harbor, she was chased by a ship of the line, the Africa, 
and the frigates Shannon, Guerriere, Belvidera, and iEolus. 
These vessels were approaching rapidly, with a line breeze, 
while it was nearly a calm about the Constitution. At 
sunrise the next morning, escape from the enemy was 
almost hopeless, as they were then within five miles. The 
Constitution was, therefore, cleared for action, determined 
to make a desperate resistance. The enemy still drawing 
near, and the ships being upon soundings, boats were sent 
ahead, with anchors, for the purpose of warping, — there 
prevailing almost a calm. The enemy, finding the Con- 
stitution gaining upon them, resorted to the same expedient. 
The chase continued, in this manner, for two days, partly 
sailing with light breezes, and partly warping, until the 
20th, when the Constitution ran her pursuers entirely out 
of sight. This escape, from so great a disparity of force, 
was considered as deserving a high rank in naval exploits, 
and was much admired at the time, as evincing superior 
nautical skill. The advantage to the British, in this chase, 
was considerable, when we reflect that their foremost ves- 
sel had the assistance of all the boats of the ^squadron for 
the purpose of towing. 

The Constitution, having arrived safely at Boston, put 
to sea again on the 2d of August. On the 19th, a vessel 



CAPTURE OF THE GUERRIERE. 1812. 285 

hove in sight, and a chase instantly commenced. It was 
soon discovered to be the Guerriere, Captain Dacres, one 
of the best frigates in the British navy, and which seemed 
not averse to the rencounter, as she backed her maintopsail, 
waiting for the Constitution to come down. This was a 
most desirable occurrence to our brave tars, as this frigate 
had, for some time, been in search of an American frigate, 
having given a formal challenge to all our vessels of the 
same class. She had at one of her mastheads a flag, on 
which her name Avas inscribed in large characters, by way 
of gasconade, and on her fore topsail the words, " Not the 
Little Belt," in allusion to the broadsides which the Presi- 
dent had given that vessel before the war. The Guerriere 
had looked into several of our ports, and affected to be 
exceedingly anxious to earn the first laurels from the new 
enemy. The Constitution, being made ready for action, 
now bore down, her crew giving three cheers. At first, it 
was the intention of Captain Hull to bring her to close 
action immediately ; but, on coming within gun-shot, she 
gave a broadside and filled away, then wore, giving a 
broadside on the other tack, but without effect. Both ships 
now continued wearing and manoeuvring for three quar- 
ters of an hour, the Guerriere attempting to take a raking 
position ; but failing in this, she bore up, under her topsail 
and jib. The Constitution, perceiving this, made sail to 
come up with her. Captain Hull, with admirable coolness, 
received the enemy's fire without returning it. 

The enemy, mistaking this conduct on the part of the 
American commander for want of skill, continued to pour 
out his broadsides, with a view to cripple his antagonist. 
From the Constitution not a gun had been fired. Already 
had an officer twice come on deck, with information that 
several of the men had been killed at their guns. The 
gallant crew, though burning with impatience, silently 
awaited the orders of their commander. The moment so 
long looked for, at last arrived. Sailing-master Aylwin 
having seconded the views of the captain with admirable 
skill, in bringing the vessels exactly to the station intended, 
orders were given, at five minutes before five, P. M., to fire 



286 



WAR OF 1812. 



broadside after broadside in quick succession. The crew 
instantly discovered the whole plan, and entered into it 
with all the spirit the circumstance was calculated to 
inspire. Never was any firing so dreadful. For fifteen 
minutes the vivid lightning of the Constitution's guns con- 
tinued one blaze, and their thunder roared with scarce an 
intermission. The enemy's mizzenmast soon went by the 
board, and he stood exposed to a raking fire, which swept 
his decks. The Guerriere had now become unmanageable ; 
her hull, rigging, and sails dreadfully torn ; when the Con- 
stitution attempted to lay her on board. At this moment. 
Lieutenant Bush, in attempting to throw his marines on 
board, was killed by a musket ball, and the enemy shot 
ahead, but could not be brought before the wind. A rak- 
ing fire now continued for fifteen minutes longer, when his 
mainmast and foremast went, taking with them every spar, 




Capture of the Guerriere. 



excepting the bowsprit. On seeing this, the firing ceased, 
and, at twenty-five minutes past five, she surrendered. 
" In thirty minutes," says Captain Hull, " after we got 



CAPTURE OF THE ALERT. 1812. 287 

fairly alongside of the enemy, she surrendered, and had 
not a spar standing, and her hull, above and below water, 
so shattered, that a few more broadsides must have carried 
her down." 

The Guerriere was so much damaged, as to render it 
impossible to bring her in ; she Avas, therefore, set fire to 
the next day, and blown up. The damage sustained by 
the Constitution Avas, comparatively, of so little conse- 
quence, that she actually made ready for action when a 
vessel appeared in sight the next day. The loss on board 
the Guerriere was fifteen killed and sixty-three wounded; 
on the side of the Constitution, seven killed and seven 
wounded. It is pleasing to observe, that even the British 
commander, on this occasion, bore testimony to the human- 
ity and generosity with which he was treated by the victors. 
The American frigate was somewhat superior in force, but 
this diflerence bore no comparison to the disparity of the 
conflict. The Guerriere was thought to be a match for 
any vessel of her class, and had been ranked among the 
largest in the British navy. The Constitution arrived at 
Boston, on the 28th of August, having captured several 
merchant vessels. 

On the 7th of August, Commodore Porter, of the 
Essex, fell in with a fleet of merchantmen, and at night 
cut out a brig with a hundred and fifty soldiers on board, 
which Avas ransomed for fourteen thousand dollars. On 
the 13th of August, he fell in with the Alert, a British sloop 
of war. Notwithstanding the inferiority of force, such was 
the confidence of the Britisli naval commanders in their 
own prowess at this period, that the Alert ran immediately 
alongside the Essex, and engaged her with three cheers. 
In eight minutes the Alert struck her colors, with seven 
feet water in her hold. She was taken possession of, and 
brought safe into port. On the 30th, towards dark, the 
Essex discovered an enemy's frigate, and lay by during 
the night, with lights hoisted; but in the morning the 
enemy was not to be seen. The Essex arrived in the Del- 
aware on the 7th of September. 

A brilliant victory also awaited the frigate United States, 



288 WAR OF 1812. 

under the command of Captain Decatur. On the 25th of 
October, near the Azores, she encountered the British 
frigate Macedonian, Captain Carden, a new vessel, of excel- 
lent equipment. The Macedonian, having the weather- 
gage, kept at long shot, and this prevented the United 
States from using the greater part of her. guns, which were 
carronades. But as soon as the United States was able to 
close with her enemy, the action began in earnest, and the 
Macedonian soon had her mizzenmast shot away and her 
other spars and rigging damaged. She struck, after an 
action of an hour and a half from the first shot. The 
superiority of the American gunnery, in this action, was 
very remarkable, both for its greater rapidity and effect. 
From the continued blaze of her guns, the United States 
was, at one moment, thought by her antagonist to be on 
fire; a mistake of very short duration. On board the 
Macedonian there were thirty-six killed and sixty-eight 
wounded. She lost her mainmast, her main-topmast, and 
main yard, and was much cut up in her hull. The United 
States suffered so little, that a return to port was not 
necessary ; she had only five killed and seven wounded. 
Among the killed was Lieutenant Funk, of whom the 
commodore spoke in the highest terms. Lieutenant Allen 
was on this occasion highly applauded. The commodore 
arrived at New York on the 4th of December, with his 
prize. 

Commodore Decatur, already a great favorite, experi- 
enced the same demonstrations of gratitude as were shown 
to Captain Hull ; nor was there denied him that new spe- 
cies of praise, which the generous conduct of our heroic 
seamen has uniformly drawn forth, the praise of the 
enemy. All the private property belonging to the men and 
officers on board the Macedonian, was restored to the cap- 
tured, with the most rigid exactitude ; and their treatment 
was the most polite and humane. An act of generosity 
and benevolence, on the part of our brave tars of the victo- 
rious frigate, deserves to be honorably recorded. The car- 
penter, who was unfortunately killed in the conflict with 
the Macedonian, had left three small children to the care 



CAPTURE OF THE JAVA. 1812. 291 

Still flying, there being no seamen left to pull them down. 
Lieutenant Biddle leaped into the rigging, and hauled them 
down with his own hands. Thus, in forty-three minutes, 
complete possession was taken of the Frolic, after one of 
the most bloody conflicts anywhere recorded in naval his- 
tory. The condition of this unfortunate vessel was inex- 
pressibly shocking. The berth deck was crowded with the 
dead, the dying, and the wounded ; and the masts, which 
soon after fell, covered the dead, and everything on deck, 
leaving her a most melancholy wreck. Captain Jones sent 
on board his surgeon, and humanely exerted himself in 
their relief, to the utmost of his power. The loss on board 
the Frolic was thirty killed, and fifty wounded ; on board 
the Wasp, five killed, and five slightly wounded. This 
was one of the most decisive actions fought during the 
war. The Wasp and Frolic were both captured the same 
day by a British seventy-four, the Poictiers, Captain Beres- 
ford. 

The Constitution, under the command of Captain Bain- 
bridge, sailed from Boston again, in October, in company 
with the Hornet sloop of war, on a voyage round Cape 
Horn. They continued in company till they arrived on the 
coast of Brazil. The British sloop of war Bonne Citoyenne 
was then lying in the harbor of St. Salvador, with a large 
quantity of specie on board, and the Hornet, in hope of cap- 
turing her, remained cruising off" the place. The Constitu- 
tion parted company and steered to the south. On the 29th 
of December, she discovered an enemy's frigate, which 
proved to be the Java, Captain Lambert, heavily armed 
and manned, having one hundred seamen over her comple- 
ment, together with a British general and a large number 
of naval and military ofiicers, which she was carrying to 
the East Indies. An action ensued, which lasted two hours, 
first at long-shot and afterwards at close quarters, when 
the Java surrendered, with the loss of sixty killed and above 
a hundred wounded. The Constitution had nine killed 
and twenty-five wounded. The Java was so much dam- 
aged in the action, that she was set on fire by the captors, 
and the prisoners were landed at St. Salvador, on parole. 



292 WAR OF 1812. 

In consequence of the damage sustained in the action, as 
well as the loss of the company of the Hornet, the Consti- 
tution returned to Boston. 

The surprise and astonishment, both in Europe and 
America, at this brilliant succession of naval victories, 
were unbounded. The arrival of the Constitution at Bos- 
ton, after her first victory, produced a burst of exultation 
among the people, which would seem utterly extravagant 
when considered as caused merely by the capture of an 
enemy's frigate. But at this period the invincibility of the 
British upon the ocean was a belief of so long standing, so 
firmly fixed in the minds of most men, and had been so 
fully confirmed by the uniform good fortune of their navy, 
that the achievement of Captain Hull acted at once like 
the dissolution of a spell. The charm of British invin- 
cibility was now broken, and the highest opinions were 
conceived of the skill and courage of American seamen. 
Captain Hull was received with the highest honors at 
Boston. The wharves were crowded with immense throngs 
of people as he landed. AH parties united in welcoming 
him with the most enthusiastic cheers ; and the triumph of 
the American navy was the more glorious as it was alto- 
gether unexpected. Congress voted their thanks to the 
officers and crew of the Constitution, together with fifty 
thousand dollars for the loss of their prize. Many of the 
state legislatures also bestowed public honors upon them. 
The conquerors in the subsequent naval victories received 
similar testimonials. 

The American privateers also met with great success in 
the beginning of the Avar. Before the end of 1812, between 
two and three hundred prizes were brought into the ports 
of the United States, and the prisoners captured were com- 
puted at more than three thousand. The only public ves- 
sels lost were the schooner Nautilus, and the small brig 
Vixen, which were captured by the enemy's frigates. The 
naval service was now exceedingly popular, and at the 
next session of congress an act was passed, authorizing the 
building of six ships of the line, and twelve frigates and 
sloops of war, together with as many vessels on the lakes 



CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HULL. 1812. 293 

as should be necessary. From the exhausted state of the 
treasury, however, and the difficuUy of raising loans, the 
building of the ships did not proceed with all the rapidity 
that was wished, and none of them, except the smaller 
ones, were completed in season to meet the enemy during 
the war. 

The commencement of the war was not equally favora- 
ble to the Americans by land, from causes which are obvi- 
ous. The land forces of the United States had none of that 
experience and perfect discipline, which had given such 
wonderful efficiency to the little American navy. The sys- 
tem pursued by the war department, moreover, was char- 
acterized by a deplorable want of shrewdness and foresight. 
Instead of appointing to the command of the troops officers 
in tlie prime of life, characterized by enterprise, activity, 
and prompt, decisive action, the department committed the 
fatal mistake of selecting superannuated officers, past the 
meridian of life, and in a declining state of both corporeal 
and mental power. The only recommendation of theae 
men Avas, in some instances, their revolutionary services; 
but, although in early life they had exhibited courage and 
talent, when the war of 1812 broke oiit they no longer 
possessed the energy and decision to command armies. 
Under such leaders, the commencement of the war was 
signalized by a most mortifying calamity. 

The campaign began on the northwest frontier, where 
the savage tribes, under the instigation of the British, had 
commenced hostilities. The army was placed under the 
command of General Hull, who has acquired the most 
unfortunate celebrity by the disastrous termination of his 
campaign. His force consisted of about two thousand five 
hundred men, half of which were Ohio militia. Early in 
July he moved from his camp at Dayton, and marched 
upon Detroit. Here he prepared to invade Canada, and on 
the 12th of July he crossed the river with most of his force, 
and called by proclamation upon the inhabitants to submit. 
The confident style of this document was by no means in 
the best taste, and was not at all justified by the result of the 
undertaking. By a rapid march he might have overrun a 
25^- 



294 WAR OF 1812. 

great extent of the country, and kept possession of the 
whole as far as the Niagara frontier,^ where another Ameri- 
can army, nnder General Dearborn, was stationed to co- 
operate with him. But Hull possessed neither courage, 
decision, nor skill. He lay idle for more than three weeks 
at Sandwich, near Maiden, opposite Detroit. No British 
force was in the vicinity to impede his march, but this 
long delay enabled the enemy to raise a force of militia 
and Indians, which soon increased to a formidable amount. 

Meantime a body of a thousand British and Indians sud- 
denly appeared before the important fortress of Mackinaw, 
where the garrison consisted of only fifty-seven men, and 
were totally unprepared for hostilities. Such had been the 
negligence of the American government, that no prepara- 
tions whatever had been made for hostilities on the fron- 
tier, up to the day when the declaration of war was issued, 
and the garrison of Mackinaw received the first intelligence 
of that event by a summons to surrender. No resistance 
could be made, and the loss of this important post removed 
every check upon the hostilities of the Indian tribes in the 
neighborhood, who all rose against the Americans, and 
"the whole northern hive," as Hull expressed it, "came 
swarming upon the flanks of the army." 

The negligence and incapacity of the war department 
may go far to explain the disasters of this campaign, but 
they can in no way excuse the sluggishness, indecision and 
cowardice of General Hull, which alone produced the main 
catastrophe. He had it in his power to strike a bold stroke 
and intimidate the enemy, instead of which he lay inactive 
till the British had accumulated a suflicient force to render 
his designs impracticable. 

Another gross oversight, by an American oflicer, accel- 
erated the consummation of this train of disasters. Dear- 
born, who commanded on the Niagara frontier, received a 
proposal for a suspension of arms, from Sir George Prevost, 
governor-general of Canada. This proposal was grounded 
on the repeal of the orders in council, the intelligence of 
which had just been received, and, possibly, might lead to 
a treaty of peace. Dearborn suffered himself to be over- 



CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL HULL. — 1812. 295 

reached in this matter, and agreed, early in August, to an 
armistice, on his own frontier, to continue till the pleasure 
of the president should be known. By this most unwise 
arrangement, Prevost was enabled to detach a large part 
of his force against Hull ; while Dearborn, being at a much 
greater distance by the line of ma^ch, could do nothing for 
his relief. The president, on learning Dearborn's armis- 
tice, instantly annulled it ; but it was too late. The British 
had triumphed. 

Hull's incapacity, irresolution and sluggish movements, 
had disheartened the whole army. Disasters soon began 
to fall upon them. On the 4th of August, a detachment 
of two hundred men, sent to escort a supply of provisions 
for the army, was defeated at Brownstown, by a party of 
Indians. A council of war was held, and decided that an 
immediate attack ought to be made upon Maiden. In 
consequence, Hull issued a general order for the attack on 
the 7th of August. But, on the next day, to the astonish- 
ment of every one, the army was ordered to break up their 
encampment and recross the river. The troops, although 
now fairly ashamed of their general, were obliged to obey 
orders, and passed over to Detroit. There was a talk 
among the officers of taking the command of the army 
away from General Hull, on account of his gross incapa- 
city ; a bold measure, but which would have been justified 
by the necessity of the case. Nothing of the kind, how- 
ever, was done, and Hull, on the following day, detached 
a body of six hundred men, under Colonel Miller, across 
the river again. This party engaged a body of British 
and Indians, near Maguaga village, and drove them off the 
ground with considerable loss. The Indians were com- 
manded by Tecumseh. Miller proceeded to Brownstown, 
but was immediately afterwards ordered back to Detroit' 
and Canada was a second time evacuated. The gross 
blundering and irresolution of the commander-in-chief, 
throughout the whole campaign, are without a parallel in 
American history. 

The British had a force of fifteen hundred men at Mai- 
den, under General Brock. Had the Americans been 



296 WAR OF 1812. 

commanded by an officer of any capacity, offensive opera- 
tions would not have been ventured upon by the enemy. 
But Hull's behavior tempted the British commander to a 
bold movement. On the 15th of August, he summoned 
Hull to surrender, and, being refused, opened his fire upon 
Detroit. After a cannonade of two days, the British cross- 
ed the river, and took post about three miles from Detroit. 
It is probable that Brock did not design an immediate 
attack, but hearing that a detachment of three hundred 
men had been recently sent away from Detroit, he deter- 
mined to assault it. The American army was stationed 
in the fort and town, in the most favorable situation for 
receiving the enemy. A sharp conflict was expected ; the 
Americans were confident of victory. But who can de- 
scribe the chagrin and mortification which took possession 
of these troops 7 At the very moment the destruction of 
the enemy was certain, orders were given not to fire. The 
troops were ordered to stack their arms, and, to the aston- 
ishment of all, a white flag, in token of submission, was 
suspended from the walls. Words are wanting to express 
the feelings of the Americans on this occasion ; they con- 
sidered themselves basely betrayed, in thus surrendering 
to an inferior force, without firing a gun, when they were 
firmly convinced the enemy were in their power. 

General Hull was exchanged for thirty British prisoners, 
brought before a court-martial, charged with treason, cow- 
ardice, and unofficer-like conduct, and was sentenced to 
death. The sentence was remitted by the president, but 
his name was ordered to be struck from the rolls of the 
army. The nation was overspread with gloom in conse- 
quence of this disaster, and the war would have become 
highly unpopular, had not an unexpected turn in the tide 
of success been suddenly eflected by the brilliant victories 
soon after achieved by the American navy. 

The catastrophe of the northwestern army had been 
foreseen by the more sagacious of the American officers, 
and the governor of Ohio was urged, at an early period, to 
send reinforcements. In Ohio and Kentucky three thou- 
sand of the militia were raised, and marched for Detroit, 



Harrison's campaign. — 1812. 297 

but on their arrival at Cincinnati, on the 27th of August, 
they received the news of Hull's surrender. This caused 
delay. Drafts of militia were made also in Pennsylvania 
and Virginia, and the whole force was put under the com- 
mand of General Harrison. The army marched from Cin- 
cinnati to Piqua, on the Great Miami, where Harrison 
received intelligence that Fort Wayne was besieged by the 
Indians. A body of five hundred men was despatched for 
its relief, and, in a few days, the whole army marched for 
the same place. The Indians, hearing of Harrison's 
approach, raised the siege and decamped. The army 
arrived at Fort Wayne on the 12th of September. A 
detachment, sent for the purpose, destroyed the Indian 
towns on the forks of the Wabash. 

Harrison was superseded in the command of the army 
by General Winchester, who marched upon Fort Defiance, 
where a strong force of British and Indians Avas posted. 
They evacuated the fort, and Winchester took possession 
of it on the 20th of September. Four days after this, 
Harrison received his appointment of commander-in-chief 
of the northwestern army; and the plan of a campaign 
was projected for the purpose of covering the western 
frontier and again invading Canada. The season was 
now far advanced, and the American posts were spread 
along a very wide extent of frontier. To penetrate into 
Canada was impracticable ; and, after calculating his 
means, Harrison was forced to abandon the scheme of 
attacking Detroit. Several actions were fought with the 
Indians, but no decisive advantage was gained, except the 
dcstructioii of the Indian towns and the waste of their 
corn-fields, and the dispersion of such bodies of the sav- 
ages as ventured to collect in any considerable force. 

On the northern frontier, the Americans gained no 
advantages to compensate them for the disaster at Detroit. 
The chief American posts were at- Plattsburg, Sackett's 
Harbor, Black Rock, and Buffalo. Some inconsiderable 
skirmishes and incursions took place along the banks of 
the St. Lawrence, which led to no results. On the Niagara 
frontier, a body of New York militia, amounting to three 



298 WAR OF 1812. 

thousand men, under General Van Rensselaer, had been 
assembled for the invasion of Canada. Their head quar- 
ters were at Lewistown, eight miles below the falls. On 
the 11th of October, they made an attack upon Queens- 
town, on the British side. A detachment of regulars was 
sent from Black Rock to assist in the attack. The British 
had received intelligence of the design some time previous, 
and sent reinforcements to Queenstown from Fort George. 
The Americans embarked to cross the river, when, at the 
same moment, a heavy fire was opened upon them, and, 
the current being very strong, the boats were thrown into 
disorder. A body of one hundred men, under Colonel Van 
Rensselaer, landed safely, stormed the fort and silenced 
the enemy's batteries. Reinforcements were soon received 
by both parties, and the battle became general. The British 
were repulsed, and General Brock, in attempting to rally 
his troops, fell, mortally wounded ; but, assisted by a rein- 
forcement of several hundred Indians, the British returned 
to the attack, and were once more repulsed. Van Rensselaer 
now recrossed the river, to hasten the passage of the troops ; 
but, to his great mortification, the militia, at the critical 
moment, refused to proceed, alleging that the general had 
no authority to lead them beyond the territory of the United 
States. 

The victory was thus snatched from the Americans, at 
the moment of full success, by this cowardly behavior of 
the militia. At length, overpowered by numbers, they 
recrossed the river, with six hvmdred of their number 
killed and wounded, and the loss of three hundred prison- 
ers. Van Rensselaer resigned the command, and was 
succeeded by General Smythe. of the regular army, who 
made a feeble attempt against the enemy, by despatching 
a few small parties into Canada. Nothing, however, was 
effected ; the militia returned to their homes full of cha- 
grin and mortification at the failure/of the campaign, from 
which they had anticipated some very brilliant results. 
The clamors against Smythe were loud and violent, and 
the pubhc opinion set strongly against him. 

Some ships of war had been built by the two hostile 



AFFAIRS ON THE LAKES. 1812. 299 

parties on the lakes. The American Ontario squadron 
was commanded by Commodore Chamicey. It consisted 
of seven small schooners, and this small fleet kept the 
command of the lake through the season, although the 
British had double the force afloat. In November, Chaun- 
cey fell in with the Royal George, of twenty-six guns, and 
chased her into Kingston, where he was repulsed by the 
batteries. On Lake Erie, the Americans had but a single 
armed vessel at the beginning of the war, which was sur- 
rendered at Detroit. On the 9th of October, Lieutenant 
Elliot, of the navy, crossed over from Black Rock, and 
cut out two British vessels from under the guns of Fort 
Erie. One of them, an armed vessel, was burnt, and the 
other, with a valuable cargo of furs, was brought ofl" in 
safety to Black Rock. 

In November, 1812, congress assembled, and immediately 
took measures to open a negotiation for peace, by instruct- 
ing the American minister at London to give formal assur- 
ance to the British government, that a law should be passed 
forbidding the employment of British subjects in American 
ships, in case the British would reciprocate the regulation ; 
thus removing the ground of complaint between the two 
countries on the subject of impressment. The British 
government refused to listen to this proposal, and avowed 
a determination not to abandon the right of impressment, 
on which, it was asserted, the naval pov/er of the empire 
depended. Notwithstanding this, a law was passed by 
congress, forbidding the employment of British seamen in 
American vessels, after the close of the existing war. 

Some further attempts were made at an armistice hy 
negotiation with Admiral Warren, who commanded the 
British squadron 'on the American station, but without 
effect. Mr. Madison was this year reelected president, 
and Elbridge Gerry was elected vice-president. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

War of 1812. — Harrison^s lointer campaign — Massacre at the River 
Raisin — Affairs on Lake Ontario — Capture of York — Death of Gen- 
eral Pike — Capture of Fort George — Disaster at Stony Creek and 
Beaver Dam — Attack on Sackctt's Harbor — War on the Atlantic coast — 
Devastations of the British in the Chesapeake — Bombardment of Lew- 
istoivn — Cockburn^s marauding expedition — Capture of the Peacock — 
Loss of tlie frigate Chesapeake — Loss of the Argus — Capture of the 
Boxer — Loss of the Essex — War in the west — Defence of Sandusky 
by Major Croghan — Perry^s victory on Lake Erie — Harrison''s inva- 
sion of Canada — Battle of the Thames and death of Tecumseh. 

The capture of Hull's army laid open the whole north- 
western frontier to the incursions of the British and Indians, 
and it became of the utmost importance to recover posses- 
sion of the territory of Michigan. It was determined, 
therefore, to undertake a campaign in the depth of winter. 
A body of fifteen hundred regulars and militia rendez- 
voused at Upper Sandusky, early in January, 1S13, under 
General Harrison. From this post he detached two bodies 
of men, one under General Winchester, to the rapids of 
the Miami, and the other, under Colonel Lewis, to French- 
town, on the river Raisin, which was then threatened by the 
Indians. These detachments, after defeating the enemy 
in some skirmishes, united at Frenchtown. Winchester, 
who took the command, unfortunately neglected all pre- 
cautions, though he had every reason to believe a strong 
body of the enemy were on their march against him. 
About day-light, on the 22d of January, he was suddenly 
attacked by a numerous force of British and Indians, under 
Colonel Procter. The American commanders, Winchester 
and Lewis, were made prisoners, and a portion of the 
Americans put to the rout. The remainder, being advan- 



MASSACRE AT FRENCHTOWN. — 1813. 301 

tageously posted, stood upon their defence, and, although 
hard-pressed by an overwhelming force, kept the enemy 
at bay. The British represented to Winchester that no- 
thing but an immediate surrender conld save the troops 
who held out from being massacred by the Indians. The 
general, influenced by these representations, sent a flag of 
truce, ordering the remainder of the troops to surrender. 
The ammunition of the Americans being nearly expended, 
they surrendered, on condition of being protected by a 
guard, and having their sick and wounded safely trans- 
ported to Amherstburg on the following day. The British 
commander agreed to these terms, but the unfortunate 
prisoners experienced the most horrible perfidy and cruelty 
from their inhuman captors. The savages tomahawked 
both officers and soldiers in cold blood, burnt them alive, 
and strewed their mangled carcasses over the country. 
We shall spare the reader the details of this dreadful mas- 
sacre, which inflicts the deepest infamy on the character 
of Procter and his officers, who made no attempt to prevent 
or stop the inhuman deed. 

The massacre at Frenchtown clothed Kentucky and 
Ohio in mourning. Bands of volunteers, indignant at the 
treachery and cruelty of their foes, hastened to the aid of 
Harrison. He marched to the rapids of the Miami, where 
he erected a fort, which he called Fort Meigs, in honor of 
the governor of Ohio. On the 1st of May, it was invested 
by a large number of Indiaiis, and by a party of British 
troops from Maiden, the whole commanded by Procter. 
On the 6th, General Clay, at the head of twelve hundred 
Kentuckians, made an attempt to raise the siege. Divid- 
ing his force into several parties, he made an impetuous 
onset, and drove the besiegers from their works. His 
troops, supposing the victory complete, and disregarding 
the orders of their commander, dispersed into the woods. 
The enemy, returning from their flight, obtained an easy 
victory. Of the Americans, two or three hundred escaped 
into the fort; about three hundred were killed or made 
prisoners ; the remainder fled to the nearest settlements. 
The enemy sustained considerable loss. The fort contin- 
26 



302 WAR OF 1812. 

ued to be defended with bravery and skill. The Indians, 
unaccustomed to sieges, became weary and discontented. 
On the 8th of May, notwithstanding the entreaties of their 
chief, Tecumseh, they deserted their allies. On the 9th, 
the enemy, despairing of success, made a precipitate re- 
treat. Harrison, leaving Clay in command, returned to 
Ohio for reinforcements ; but in this quarter active opera- 
tions were not resumed until a squadron had been built 
and prepared for action on Lake Erie. 

At Sackett's Harbor, on Lake Ontario, a body of troops 
had been assembled, under General Dearborn, and great 
exertions were made, by Commodore Chauncey, to build 
and equip a squadron on the lake, sufficiently powerful to 
contend with that of the enemy. By the 25th of April, 
the naval preparations were so far completed, that Dear- 
born, with seventeen hundred troops, embarked on board 
the fleet, and were conveyed across the lake to the attack 
of York, the capital of Upper Canada, where they arrived 
on the 27th. An advanced party, led by Brigadier-General 
Pike, who was born in a camp, and bred a soldier from his 
birth, immediately landed, although opposed at the water's 
edge by a superior force. After a short but severe conflict, 
the enemy were driven to their fortifications. The rest of 
the troops having gained the shore, the whole party pressed 
forward, carried the first battery by assault, and were 
moving towards the main works, when the enemy's maga- 
zine blew up, with a tremendous explosion, hurling upon 
the advancing troops immense quantities of stone and 
timber. Great numbers were killed; the gallant Pike 
received a mortal wound. The troops halted for a moment, 
but, recovering from the shock, again pressed forward, 
and soon gained possession of the town. Of the British 
troops, one hundred were killed, nearly three hundred were 
wounded, and the same number made prisoners. Of the 
Americans, three hundred and twenty were killed and 
wounded, and nearly all of them by the explosion of the 
magazine. The flag which waved over the fort was car- 
ried to the dying general ; at his desire it was placed under 
his head, when, with a smile of triumph on his lips, he ex- 



CAPTURE OF FORT GEORGE. — 1813. 



303 



pired. The ships, public buildings, and military stores, 
were then destroyed, and the fleet left the place. 




Victory of York. 

The object of the expedition being attained, the squad- 
ron returned to Sackett's Harbor, where the wounded 
and prisoners being landed, and other troops taken on 
board, it sailed to Fort George, at the head of the lake. 
After a warm engagement, the enemy abandoned, and the 
Americans entered, the fort, on the 27th of May. The fugi- 
tives retired to the heights at the head of Burlington Bay. 
On their retreat, they were joined by a detachment from 
Fort Erie and Chippeway. Two brigades, under Generals 
Chandler and Winder, Avere despatched in pursuit. On 
the evening of the 5th of June, they encamped at Stony 
Creek, in the vicinity of the enemy, who, considering their 
situation desperate, turned upon their pursuers, and at- 
tacked them in the night. The Americans received them 
with coolness; but such was the darkness, that General 
Chandler, intending to place himself at the head of his 
artillery, fell into the midst of a British party. A few 



304 



WAR OF 1812. 



minutes afterwards, the same mistake was committed by 
General Winder. Satisfied with the capture of these 
officers, and a few other prisoners, the enemy made a pre- 
cipitate retreat. The American troops returned to Fort 
George. The misfortune was soon followed by another. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Boerstler, having been sent, with five 
hundred men, to disperse a body of the enemy collected at 
the Beaver Dams, was surrounded, and the whole detach- 
ment made prisoners. 




Attack of Sacketfs Harbor. 

While the greater part of the American army was thus 
employed in Canada, the British made an attack upon the 
important post of Sackett's Harbor. On the 27th of May, 
their squadron appeared before the town. Alarm guns 
instantly assembled the citizens of the neighborhood. 
Dearborn had resigned, and General Brown, of the New 
York militia, commanded in chief, his whole force amount- 
ing to about one thousand men. By his orders, jel slight 
breastwork was hastily thrown up, at the only place 
where the enemy could land. Behind this, he placed the 



ATTACK OF SACKETt's HARBOR. — 1813. 305 

militia, the regulars, under Colonel Backus, forming a 
second line. On the morning of the 29th, one thousand 
British troops landed from the squadron. They advanced 
towards the breastwork. The militia, seized with a sudden 
panic, fled in confusion. Colonel Mills, in a vain attempt 
to rally them, was mortally woimded. The regulars, after 
a spirited resistance, were compelled to retire towards the 
town, but in their retreat they took possession of the houses 
on the road. From these coverts they poured so destruc- 
tive a fire upon the British column, that it halted and fell 
back. General Brown, by a stratagem, converted this 
slight check into a precipitate flight. Collecting the panic- 
struck militia, he directed their course along a road, which, 
while it led from the village, appeared to the British com- 
mander to lead to the place of landing. Perceiving them 
marching with great speed, he supposed that their object 
was to cut ofl" his retreat. Struck with panic, he immedi- 
ately wheeled to the right-about, retreated and reembarked 
so hastily as to leave behind most of his wounded. Gen- 
eral Brown, in recompense for his services, was appointed 
a brigadier in the regular army. 

Meanwhile, upon the sea-coast, a distressing and preda- 
tory war was carried on, by a large detachment from the 
powerful navy of Great Britain. One squadron, stationed 
in Delaware Bay, captured and burned every merchant 
vessel which came within its reach. On the 4th of 
February, a squadron, consisting of two ships of the line, 
three frigates, and other vessels, made its appearance in 
the Chesapeake, apparently standing for Hampton Roads. 
The alarm was immediately sounded at Norfolk, and the 
militia called in from the upper part of the state. No 
attempt, however, was made upon the town, the enemy 
contenting himself with destroying the smaller vessels 
employed in the navigation of the bay, and eflectively 
blockading its waters. About the same time, another 
squadron, under the command of Commodore Beresford, 
appeared in the Delaware, consisting of the Poictiers, the 
Belvidera, and some other vessels, which, in the sariie 
manner, destroyed a number of small trading vessels, and 
26* 



306 WAR OF 1812. 

attempted several times to land, but were as often repulsed 
by the militia, hastily collected. 

On the 10th of April, Beresford made a demand on the 
people of the village of Lewistown for a supply of provis- 
ions, which was refused by Colonel Davis, commanding at 
that place. The Belvidera frigate was ordered to move 
near the village and bombard it, until the demand should 
be complied with. This was obeyed, but without eifect ; 
after a cannonade of twenty hours, the enemy were unable 
to make any impression on the place. The fire had been 
returned from some batteries, hastily thrown up on the 
bank, with considerable eifect. On the 10th of May, the 
same squadron sent out their barges in the neighborhood 
of Lewistown, to procure water. Major George Hunter was 
detached, by Colonel Davis, with one hundred and fifty 
men, to oppose their landing, which the major did with so 
much gallantry, that he compelled them to hasten to their 
shipping. The squadron soon after returned to Bermuda, 
where Sir J. Borlase Warren, who commanded on this 
station, was engaged in fitting out a more considerable 
armament for the attack of our sea-coast during the sum- 
mer. 

Soon after the departure of the squadron, the Spartan 
and some other frigates entered the Delaware. One of 
their vessels, the Martin, was discovered, on the 29th of 
July, slightly grounded on the outer edge of Crow's Shoals. 
A detachment of the gun-boat flotilla immediately moved, 
and, anchoring in a line al^out three quarters of a mile from 
the sloop, opened a destructive fire upon her. The Junon 
frigate soon after came off to her relief A cannonade was 
kept up, during an hour, between the gunboats and these 
two vessels, in which the latter suffered great injury. 
Finding it impossible to drive off" this small fleet, they 
manned their launches, tenders, and cutters, to cut off" the 
gun-boats at the extremity of the line. One was unfortu- 
nately taken, after a desperate resistance against eight 
times her number. 

Scenes of a different kind were, in the mean while, acting 
in the Chesapeake. The squadron, which returned in 



MARAUDINGS IN THE CHESAPEAKE. — 1813. 307 

February, still continued to carry on a predatory war along 
the shores and inlets. It was here that Admiral Cockburn, 
a man infamous in the history of the war, began his plun- 
derings and outrages. At first they were directed against 
the detached farm-houses, and seats of private gentlemen, 
unprepared for and incapable of defence; these were 
robbed, and the owners treated in the rudest manner. 
The cattle which could not be carried away were doomed 
to wanton destruction. It was impossible to station a force 
at each farm-house, to repel these miserable and disgraceful 
incursions ; yet, in several instances, Cockburn and his 
ruffians were bravely repelled by a collection of the neigh- 
bors, without authority, and under no leader. The spirited 
citizens of Maryland formed bodies of cavalry, which were 
stationed at intervals along the shore, to be drawn out at a 
moment's warning. Cockburn took possession of several 
islands in the bay, particularly Sharp's, Tilghman's, and 
Poplar islands, whence he could seize the opportunity of 
making a descent upon the neighboring shores, when the 
inhabitants happened to be ofi" their guard. Encouraged 
by his success against the farmers, and his rapacity 
increasing by" the booty which he had already obtained, 
Cockburn now resolved to undertake something of a more 
bold and adventurous character, in which his thirst for 
plunder might be gratified- in a higher degree. He, there- 
fore, directed his attention to the unprotected villages and 
hamlets along the bay, carefully avoiding the larger towns, 
the plundering of which might be attended with some 
danger. 

The first of these expeditions was against the village of 
Frenchtown, containing six dwelling-houses, two large 
store-houses and several stables. It was important, how- 
ever, as a place of deposit, on the line of packets and 
stages from Philadelphia to the city of Baltimore, and 
Cockburn rightly conjectured that here there might be pri- 
vate property to a considerable amount. He accordingly 
set out on this expedition, from his ship, the Marlborough, 
in barges, with five hundred marines ; a sufficient number 
to have carried the town on their backs. Some show of 



308 WAR OF 1812. 

resistance was made by a small party of militia collected 
from Elkton, but which moved off as the admiral ap- 
proached. The store-houses were destroyed, together with 
the goods they were unable to carry off, to an immense 
amount. Amongst other objects of wanton destruction, 
was an elegant drop-curtain, intended for the theatres of 
the cities before mentioned. The brand was applied to 
some of the private dwelling-houses, and to several vessels 
lying at the wharf After achieving this glorious victory, 
the admiral, fearing the approach of the militia, hastily 
retired to his ship. 

The, next exploit of the admiral was of still greater 
importance. The town of Havre de Grace is situated on 
the Susquehannah, about two miles from the head of the 
bay, and is a neat village, containing twenty or thirty 
houses. On the 3d of May, before daylight, his approach 
was announced by a few cannon shot and the firing of 
rockets. The inhabitants, roused from their sleep, leaped 
up in the greatest consternation, and the more courageous 
repaired to the beach, where a few small pieces of artillery 
had been planted on a kind of battery for the purpose of 
defence against the smaller watering or plundering parties 
of the enemy. 

After firing a few shots, the inhabitants, with the excep- 
tion of an old man named O'Neill, all fled on the approach 
of the barges, abandoning the village to the mercy of Cock- 
burn. O'Neill alone continued to fight, loading a piece of 
artillery, and firing it himself, until, by recoiling, it ran over 
his thigh, and wounded him severely. He then armed 
himself with a musket, and, limping away, still kept up a 
retreating fight with the advancing column of the British, 
who had by this time landed and formed ; after which he 
moved off to join his five or six comrades, whom he 
attempted in vain to rally. 

Cockburn having been reinforced by a fresh squadron, 
under Admiral Warren, containing a number of land troops, 
resolved to make an attempt upon Norfolk, and, on the 20th 
of June, the British fleet of thirteen large ships entered the 
mouth of James river. Craney Island, at the mouth of 



CAPTURE OF THE CHESAPEAKE. — 1813. 311 

him and to each other, set sail, on the 1st of June, in pur- 
suit of the Shannon. Towards evening of the same day, 
they met off Boston hght, and instantly engaged, with unex- 
ampled fury. In a very few minutes, and in quick suc- 
cession, the sailing-master of the Chesapeake v/as killed ; 
Captain Lawrence and three lieutenants were severely 
wounded ; her rigging was so cut to pieces that she fell on 
hoard the Shannon ; her chest of arms blew up ; Captain 
Lawrence received a second and mortal wound, and was 
carried below. At this instant, the position of the ships 
being favorable, Captain Broke, at the head of his marines, 
boarded the Chesapeake, when, every officer who could 
take command being killed or wounded, resistance ceased, 
and the American flag was struck by the enemy. This 
unexpected defeat impelled the Americans to seek for cir- 
cumstances consoling to their pride; and, in the journals of 
the day, many such were stated to have preceded and 
attended the action. But nothing could allay their grief at 
the fall of the youthful and intrepid Lawrence. His pre- 
vious victory and magnanimous conduct had rendered him 
the favorite of the nation, and he was lamented with sor- 
row, deep, sincere, and lasting. When carried below, he 
was asked if the colors should be struck. "No," he re- 
plied, " they shall wave while I live." When the fate of 
the ship was decided, his proud spirit was broken. He 
became delirious from excess of mental and bodily suffer- 
ing. Whenever able to speak, he would exclaim, " Don't 
give up the ship ! " — an expression consecrated by his coun- 
trymen ; and he uttered but few other words during the 
four days that he survived his defeat. 

This victory was not achieved without loss. Of the crew 
of the Shannon, twenty-four were killed, and fifty-six 
wounded. Of that of the Chesapeake, forty-eight were 
killed, and nearly one hundred wounded. Great was the 
exultation of the enemy. Victories over the frigates of 
other nations were occurrences too common to excite emo- 
tion; but the capture of an American frigate Avas considered 
a glorious epoch in the naval history of Great Britain. The 
honors and rewards bestowed upon Captain Broke, were 



312 . WAR OF 1812. 

such as had never before been received but by the con- 
queror of a squadron. These demonstrations of triumph 
were inadvertent confessions of American superiority, and 
were to the vanquished themselves sources of triumph and 
consolation. 

The next naval engagement was fought in the English 
channel, on the 14th of August, between the American brig 
Argus and the British brig Pelican. The British vessel 
was of superior force, and \vas victorious. Lieutenant 
Allen, who commanded the Argus, was killed. After this 
disaster, success again inclined to the side of the Ameri- 
cans. On the 4th of September, the American brig Enter- 
prise, commanded by Lieutenant Burrows, captured the 
British brig Boxer, commanded by Captain Blythe. These 
vessels were of equal force, but the great effect of the fire 
of the Enterprise furnished to the Americans another proof 
of the superior skill of their seamen. Both commanders 
were killed in the action, and were buried, each by the 
other's side, in Portland. 

Porter, in the Essex, had been cruising in the Pacific for 
nearly a year, in the course of which he had captured sev- 
eral British armed whale ships. Some of these were equip- 
ped as American cruisers and store-ships; and the Atlantic, 
now called the Essex Junior, of twenty guns and sixty 
men, was assigned to Lieutenant Downes. The prizes 
which were to be laid up, were convoyed by this officer to 
Valparaiso. On his return he brought intelligence to Cap- 
tain Porter that a British squadron, consisting of one frig- 
ate and two sloops of war, and a store-ship of twenty guns, 
had sailed in quest of the Essex. The commodore took 
measures immediately to repair his vessel, which having 
accomplished, on the r2th of December, 1813, he sailed for 
Valparaiso, in company with the Essex Junior. Not long 
after the arrival of Porter at Valparaiso, Captain Hillyar 
appeared there in the Phoebe frigate, accompanied by the 
Cherub sloop of war. These vessels had been equipped 
for the purpose of meeting the Essex, with picked crews, 
in prime order, and hoisted flags bearing the motto, " God 
and our country, British sailors' best rights; traitors offend 



CAPTURE OF THE ESSEX. — 1814. 313 

ihemJ' This was in allusion to Porter's celebrated motto, 
" Free trade and sailor's rights." He now hoisted at his 
mizzen, " God, our country, and liberty : tyrants offend 
them." On entering the harbor, the British commodore 
fell foul of the Essex, in such a situation as to be placed 
completely in the power of the latter. The forbearance of 
Captain Porter was acknowledged by the English com- 
mander, and he passed his word and honor to observe the 
same regard to the neutrality of the port. 

The British vessels soon after sailed and cruised off the 
port 'about six weeks, rigorously blockading the Essex. 
Their united forces amounted to eighty-one guns, and about 
five hundred men, — about double that of the Essex; but the 
circumstance of this force being divided in two ships, ren- 
dered the disparity still greater, and was by no means 
coimterbalanced by the Essex .Junior. Captain Porter, 
being prevented, by this great disparity of force, from en- 
gaging, made repeated attempts to draw the Phoebe into 
action singly, either by manoeuvring or sending formal 
challenges; but Captain Hillyar carefully avoided the com- 
ing to action alone. The American commander, hearing 
that an additional British force was on its way, and hav- 
ing discovered that his vessel could outsail those of the 
British, determined to venture out, and, while the enemy 
was in chase, enable the Essex .Tunior to escape to a place 
of rendezvous previously appointed. On the 28th of March, 
1814, the wind coming on to blow fresh from the south- 
ward, the Essex parted her starboard cable, and dragged 
her larboard anchor to sea. Not a moment was lost in 
getting sail on the ship, as it was determined to seize this 
moment to escape. In endeavoring to pass to the wind- 
ward of the enemy, a squall struck the Essex, just as she 
was doubling the point, which carried away her main-top- 
mast. The British immediately gave chase, and Captain 
Porter, being unable to escape in his crippled state, endeav- 
ored to put back into the harbor ; but, finding this imprac- 
ticable, he ran into a small bay, and anchored within pistol 
shot of the shore, where, from a supposition that the enemy 
would continue to respect the neutrality of the port, he 
27 



314 WAR OF 1812. 

thought himself secure. The British ships, however, im- 
mediately attacked him. The mimanageable condition of 
the Essex enabled them to take the most advantageous posi- 
tions for raking her, so that the entire broadsides of the 
enemy took effect, while the Essex could bring but three 
guns to bear upon them. Still she maintained the conflict 
for three hours, when, having one hundred and twenty-four 
of her crew killed and wounded, and being set on fire by 
the shot of the enemy, she struck her colors. Captain Por- 
ter was paroled, and permitted to return to the United States 
in the Essex Junior, which was converted into a cartel for 
the purpose. On arriving off the port of New York, the 
vessel was detained by the Saturn razee, and, to the dis- 
grace of the British navy, he was compelled to give up his 
parole, and declare himself a prisoner of war, and, as such, 
he informed the British officer that he would attempt his 
escape. In consequence of this threat, the Essex Junior 
was ordered to remain under the lee of the Saturn ; but the 
next morning Captain Porter put off in his boat, though, 
thirty miles from shore, and, notwithstanding the pursuit 
by those of the Saturn, arrived safely in New York. 

Meantime, important preparations were making on the 
western frontier, although the spring and summer of 1813 
had pas.sed away without any incident in this quarter 
worthy of being recorded. The general attention was now 
turned towards it with much anxiety, and the armies of 
the Niagara and St. Lawrence rested on their arms, await- 
ing the issue of Harrison's campaign, and the result of the 
contest for the supremacy on lake Erie. The British, 
aware of the consequence of a defeat, had, with great assi- 
duity, labored to strengthen themselves. The reinforce- 
ments continually arriving at Fort George, were evidently 
destined to follow up the advantages which Procter might 
gain, in conjunction with the commander on the lake. In 
the mean while, in the neighboring states of Kentucky and 
Ohio, the people were excited in a most surprising degree ; 
had it been necessary, they would have risen e?i masse ; 
almost every man capable of bearing a musket was anx- 
ious to march. The governor of Ohio had scarcely issued 



Harrison's campaign. — 1813. 316 

his proclamation, calling on volunteers, (for the obligations 
of law to render military service were no longer thought of,) 
than fifteen thousand men presented themselves, completely 
armed and equipped, — more than five times the number 
required. 

Shelby, the venerable governor of Kentucky, a revolu- 
tionary hero, and the Nestor of the war, made it known 
that he would put himself at the head of the citizens of 
that state, and lead them to seek revenge for the murder 
of their relatives and friends, but limited the number of 
volunteers to four thousand. The state of Kentucky, 
called, by the natives, "the dark and bloody ground," 
forty years ago was an uninhabited forest, possessed by no 
tribe of Indians, but, from time immemorial, the theatre of 
sanguinary wars. At this day, it blooms beneath the hand 
of agriculture; it is filled with beautiful towns and villages, 
and is the abode of peace, opulence, and refinement. The 
inhabitants are descended from the planters of Virginia 
and North Carolina, and emigrants composed of the enter- 
prising and intelligent of the other states. Living in 
abundance, and at their ease, and more remote from the 
seats of commerce, they have imbibed less of foreign attach- 
ments or feelings than any of our people, and are, perhaps, 
more enthusiastically devoted to the institutions of free- 
dom. They have not a little of the manners of chivalry in 
their generous and hospitable deportment ; fearless of dan- 
ger, regarding dishonor more than death, but, with these 
qual-ities, a benevolence and humanity which has scarcely 
a parallel. Had the elder brethren of this confederacy acted 
like this younger member, the Ganadas would have been 
ours, and Britain would never have dared to insult us 
with her unwarrantable pretensions. 

The transactions which are now to be related, may 
justly rank amongst the most pleasing to our feelings and 
national pride, of any which took place during the contest. 
The campaign opened with an affair, which, though com- 
paratively of smaller consequence than some others, is, in 
its circumstances, one of the most brilliant that occurred 
during the war. This was the unparalleled defence of Fort 



316 WAR OF 1812. 

Sandusky, by a small body of troops commanded by a youth 
of twenty-one years of age. In August, 181.3, before the 
arrival of the Ohio and Kentucky volunteers, which did 
not take place until the following month, hostile move- 
ments had been made upon all the diiferent forts estab- 
lished by the Americans on the rivers which fall into lake 
Erie. After the siege of Fort Meigs, the British had been 
considerably reinforced by regulars, and an unusual num- 
ber of Indians, under their great leader, Tecumseh, It was 
all-important to reduce these forts before the arrival of the 
volunteers. Major Croghan, then commanding at Upper 
Sandusky, having received intimation that the enemy 
were about to invest the fort of Lower Sandusky, had 
marched to this place with some additional force, and had 
been occupied with great assiduity in placing it in the best 
posture of defence. But the only addition of importance 
which the time would allow him to make, was a ditch, of 
six feet deep, and nine feet wide, outside the stockade of 
pickets by which these hastily constructed forts are en- 
closed, but which can afford but a weak defence against 
artillery. He had but one six-pounder, and about one 
hundred and sixty men, consisting of regulars and detach- 
ments of the Pittsburgh and Petersburgh volunteers. Gen- 
eral Harrison, not conceiving it practicable to defend the 
place, ordered Croghan to retire on the approach of the 
enemy, after having destroyed the works. This, our young 
hero, taking the responsibility upon himself, determined to 
disobey. 

On the first of August, Procter, having left a large body 
of Indians, under Tecumseh, to keep up the appearance of 
a siege of Fort Meigs, arrived at Sandusky with about five 
hundred regulars, seven hundred Indians, and some gun- 
boats. After he had made such dispositions of his troops 
as to cut ofl" the retreat of the garrison, he sent a flag, 
demanding a surrender, accompanied with the usual base 
and detestable threats of butchery and cold blood massacre, 
if the garrison should hold out. A spirited answer was 
returned by Croghan, who found that all his companions, 
chiefly striplings like himself, would support him to the 



CROGHAN's defence of SANDUSKY. — 1813. 317 

last. When the flag returned, a brisk fire was opened 
from the gun-boats and howitzer, and which was kept 
up during the night. In the morning, they opened with 
three sixes, which had been planted, under cover of the 
night, within two hundred and fifty yards of the pick- 
ets, but not with much effect. About four o'clock in the 
afternoon, it was discovered that the enemy had concen- 
trated his fire against the northwest angle, with the inten- 
tion of making a breach. This part was immediately 
strengthened by bags of flour and sand, so that the pickets 
suflered but little injury. During this time, the six-pounder 
was carefully concealed in the bastion, which covered the 
point to be assailed, and it was loaded with slugs and 
grape. 

About five hundred of the enemy now advanced in close 
column to assail the part where it was supposed the pick- 
ets must have been injured; at the same time making 
several feints, to draw the attention of the besieged to 
other parts of the fort. Their force being thus divided, a 
colunm of three hundred and fifty men, which were so 
enveloped in smoke as not to be seen until they approached 
within twenty paces of the lines, advanced rapidly to the 
assault. A fire of musketry from the fort for a moment 
threw them uito confusion, but they were quickly rallied 
by Colonel Short, their commander. Avho, now springing 
over the outer works into the ditch, commanded the rest to 

follow, crying out, "Give the' d d Yankees no quarter ! " 

Scarcely had these words escaped his lips, and the greater 
part of his followers landed in the ditch, when the six- 
pounder opened upon them a most destructive fire, killing 
and wounding the greater part, and, amongst the first, the 
wretched leader, who was sent into eternity before his 
words had died upon the air. A volley of musketry was, 
at the same time, fired upon those who had not ventured. 
The oflicer who succeeded Short, exasperated at being 
thus treated by a few boys, formed his broken column, and 
again rushed to the ditch, where he, and those who dared 
to follow him, met with the same fate as iheir fellow-sol- 
diers. The small arms were again played on them — the 
27^ 



318 WAR OF 1812. 

whole British force was thrown into confusion, and, in 
spite of the exertions of their officers, fled to the woods 
panic-struck, whither they were soon followed by the 
Indians. The little band of defenders, forgetting in a 
moment that they had been assailed by merciless foes, 
who sought to massacre them, without regarding the laws 
of honorable war, now felt only the desire of reliev- 
ing wounded'" men, and of administering comfort to the 
wretched. Had they been friends, had they been brothers, 
they could not have experienced a more tender solicitude. 
The whole night was occupied in endeavoring to assuage 
their sufferings ; provisions and buckets of water were 
handed over the pickets, and an opening was made, by 
which many of the sufferers were taken in, who were im- 
mediately supplied with surgical aid; and this, although a 
firing was kept up with small arms by the enemy until 
some time in the night. The loss of the garrison amounted 
to one killed and seven wounded ; that of the enemy was 
supposed to be at least two hmidred. Upwards of fifty 
were found in and about the ditch. It was discovered, 
next morning, that the enemy had hastily retreated, leav- 
ing a boat and a considerable quantity of military stores. 
Upwards of seventy stand of arms were taken, besides a 
quantity of ammunition. This exploit called forth the 
admiration of every party in the United States. Croghan, 
together with his companions, were highly complimented 
by General Harrison. They afterwards received the 
thanks of congress. Croghan was promoted to the rank 
of lieutenant-colonel, and presented with an elegant sword 
by the ladies of Chihcothe. Soon after this affair, Tecum- 
seh raised the siege of Fort Meigs, and followed Procter to 
Detroit. All hope was now giA^en up by the enemy of 
reducing these forts, until they could gain the ascendency 
on the lake. 

The utmost exertions had been made, in the mean while, 
by Captain Perry, to complete the naval armament on 
lake Erie. By the 4th of August, the fleet was manned ; 
but several of the vessels were with difficulty got over 
the bar of Port Erie, on which there are but five feet 



BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 1813. 319 

water. • He sailed in quest of the enemy, but, not meeting 
him, returned on the 8th, and, after receiving a reinforce- 
ment of sailors, brought by Captain Elliot, sailed again on 
the 12th, and on the loth anchored in the bay of Sandusky. 
Here, after taking in about twenty volunteer marines, he 
again went in quest of the enemy ; and, after cruising off 
Maiden, returned to Put-in Bay, a distance of thirty miles. 
His fleet consisted of the brig La^vrence, of twenty guns ; 
the Niagara, Captain Elliot, of twenty; the Caledonia, 
Lieutenant Turner, three ; the schooner Ariel, of four ; the 
Scorpion, of two ; the Somers, of two, and two swivels ; 
the sloop Trippe, and schooners Tigress and Porcupine, 
of one gun each ; making a fleet of nine vessels, and fifty- 
four guns. On the morning of the 10th of September, the 
enemy was discovered bearing down upon the American 
squadron, which immediately got under weigh, and stood 
out to meet him. The superiority was decidedly on the 
side of the British. The Americans had three more vessels, 
but this was much more than counterbalanced by the size 
of those of the enemy, and the number of their guns. 
Their fleet consisted of the Detroit, Captain Barclay, of 
nineteen guns, and two howitzers; the Queen Charlotte, 
of seventeen guns. Captain Finnis; the schooner Lady 
Prevost, Lieutenant Buchan, of thirteen guns, and two 
howitzers ; the brig Hunter, of ten guns ; the sloop Little 
Belt, of three; and the schooner Chippewa, of one gun 
and two swivels ; in. all, six vessels and sixty-three guns. 
The Americans stood out of the bay. The British fleet 
had the weather-gage; but the wind soon after changed, 
'and brought the American fleet to windward. The line of 
battle was formed at eleven, and fifteen minutes before 
twelve, the enemy's flag- ship, the Q,ueen Charlotte, opened 
her fire upon the Lawrence, which she sustained for ten 
minutes, before she could approach near enough for her 
carronades to return. She, therefore, bore up, making sig- 
nals for the other vessels to hasten to her support, and, 
about twelve, brought her guns to bear upon the enemy. 
The wind being too light, the remainder of the squadron 
could not be brought up to her assistance, and she was 



320 



WAR OF 1812. 



compelled to fight two hours, with two ships of equal 
force. The contest was, notwithstanding, kept up with 
unshaken courage, and a degree of coolness which deserves 
admiration. By this time the liawrence, which had so 
long borne the fire of the whole of the British force, had 
become entirely unmanageable ; every gun was dismounted, 
and, with the exception of four or five, her whole crew 
either killed or wounded. Perry now, with admirable 
presence of mind, resolved to shift his flag, leaped into his 
boat, and, heroically waving his sword, passed unhurt to 
the Niagara. 

At the moment he reached the Niagara, he saw with 
anguish the flag of his ship come down ; she was utterly 
unable to make further resistance, and it would have been 
a wanton waste of the remaining lives to continue the con- 
test. The enemy was not able to take possession of her. 




Perry's victory on Lake Erie. 



Captain Elliot, seconding the design of the commodore, 
volunteered to bring up the rest of the fleet; for, at this 
critical moment, the wind had increased. Perry now bore 



VICTORY ON LAKE ERIE. 1813. 321 

down upon the enemy with a fresh ship, and, passing 
ahead of the Detroit, Q,ueen Charlotte, and Lady Prevost, 
poured a destructive broadside into each from his starboard, 
and from his larboard into the Chippewa and Little Beh. 
In this manner, cutting through the hne, he was within 
pistol shot of the Lady Prevost, which received so heavy 
a fire as to compel her men to run below. At this moment 
the Caledonia came up, and opened her fire. Several others 
of the squadron were enabled soon after to do the same. 
The issue of a campaign, the mastery of a sea, the glory 
and renown of two rival nations, matched for the first time 
in squadron, were the incentives to the contest. But it 
was not long before the scale turned in favor of Perry, and 
his ship, the Lawrence, was again enabled to hoist her flag. 
The Queen Charlotte, having lost her captain and all her 
principal officers, by some mischance ran foul of the De- 
troit, and the greater part of the guns of both ships were 
rendered useless. They were now compelled to sustain, 
in turn, an incessant fire from the Niagara, and the other 
vessels of the squadron. The flag of Captain Barclay was 
soon after struck, and those of the Queen Charlotte, the 
Lady Prevost, the Hunter, and the Chippewa, came down 
in succession ; the Little Belt attempted to escape, but was 
pursued by two gun-boats and captured. 

Thus, after a contest of three hours, was this important 
naval victory achieved, in which every vessel of the enemy 
was captured. If anything could heighten this glorious 
victory, it was the modest and yet sublime manner in 
which it was announced by the incomparable Perry : "We 

HAVE MET THE ENEMY, AND THEY ARE OURS." Britain had 

been beaten in single combat, — she was now beaten in 
squadron, where she had conceived herself invincible. 
The loss in this bloody affair was very great in proportion 
to the numbers engaged. The Americans had twenty- 
seven killed, and ninety-six wounded; amongst the first 
were Lieutenant Brooks, of the marines, and Midshipman 
Laub ; amongst the latter were Lieutenant Yarnell, Sail- 
ing-master Taylor, Purser Hamilton, and Midshipmen 
Claxton and Swartwout. The loss of the British was 



322 WAR OF 1812. 

about two hundred in killed and wounded ; and the num- 
ber of prisoners amounted to six hundred, exceeding the 
whole number of the Americans. Commodore Barclay, a 
gallant officer, who had lost an arm at the battle of Tra- 
falgar, was severely wounded, and the loss of officers, on 
the side of the British, was unusually great Among the 
officers particularly spoken of on this occasion, were Cap- 
tain Elliot, Lieutenants Turner, Edwards, Forest, Clark, 
and Cummings, besides those already mentioned. The 
victory of Commodore Perry left the Americans in full 
command of lake Erie, but Detroit and Maiden still 
remained in possession of the British. The triumph of 
the American arms seemed to unite conflicting parties ; and 
the kindness extended to the British captives reflected the 
brightest glory on our country. 

But the territory still occupied by the enemy was to be 
retaken. For the accomplishment of this purpose, Colonel 
Johnson, with a body of Kentuckians, were destined to act 
against Detroit, and Harrison was to march against Mai- 
den. Finding Maiden untenable, the British general 
destroyed, and then evacuated it. On the 2d of October, 
Harrison, with about three thousand five hundred men, 
crossed the river into Canada, commenced a pursuit, and, 
on the 5th, the enemy was overtaken at the Moravian 
towns, on the Thames. Colonel Johnson, who had formed 
a junction with General Harrison, being sent forward to 
reconnoitre the British and Indian forces, gave intelligence 
that the enemy were prepared for action, at the distance 
of a few miles. On their left was the river, and their 
right, consisting of Indians, under Tecumseh, rested on a 
swamp. The American force consisted of Ohio militia 
and four thousand Kentuckians, the flower of their 
state, commanded by Governor Shelby, who arrived at 
the camp of General Harrison on the 7th of September. 
The enemy was drawn up imder cover of a beech wood, 
by which a narrow strip of land was covered. The 
Americans were soon formed in battle array. General 
Trotter's brigade formed the front line, supported by 
Desha's divisions on the left. The brigade of General 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 1813. 323 

King formed the second line, in rear of General Trotter's, 
and Chile's acted as a corps of reserve, both under the 
command of Major-General Henry. The brigades aver- 
aged five hundred men each. Governor Shelby occupied 
the angle formed by the brigades of Trotter and Desha. 
The regular troops, numbering only one hundred and 
twenty men, were formed into columns, and occupied the 
narrow space between the river and the road, for the pur- 
pose of seizing the artillery, should the enemy be repulsed. 
The order of General Harrison was, to form Colonel John- 
son's mounted men in two lines, in front of the Indians, but 
the underwood being too close for cavalry to be effective, 
he determined on a new mode of attack. 

Knowing the dexterity of the backwoodsmen in riding 
through forests, and the little inconvenience to them of 
carrying their rifles in such a situation, Harrison deter- 
mined to refuse his left to the Indians, and charge on the 
regulars drawn up among the beech trees. The mounted 
regiment was accordingly drawn up in front. The army 
moved on but a short distance, when the mounted men 
received the enemy's fire, and were instantly ordered to 
charge. The horses in front of the column at first recoiled 
from the fire, but soon after got in motion, and immediately, 
at full speed, broke through the enemy with irresistible 
force. In one minute the contest was over in front. The 
mounted men instantly formed in the rear, and poured a 
destructive fire, and were about to make another charge, 
when the British ofllcers, finding it impossible to form their 
broken ranks, immediately surrendered. Upon the left the 
onset was begun by Tecumseh with great fury. Colonel 
R. M. Johnson, who commanded on that flank of his regi- 
ment, received a galling fire, which he returned with effect, 
while the Indians advanced towards the point occupied by 
Governor Shelby, and at first made an impression on it ;. 
but the aged warrior brought a regiment to its support. 
The combat now raged with increasing fury; the Indians, 
to the number of twelve or fifteen hundred, seemed deter- 
mined to maintain their ground to the last. 

The terrible voice of Tecumseh could be distinctly heard 



324 



WAR OF 1812. 



encouraging his warriors ; and, although beset on every 
side, excepting on that of the morass, they fought with 
more determined courage than had ever been witnessed in 
these people. An incident soon occurred, however, which 
decided the contest. Colonel Johnson rushed towards the 
spot where the warriors, clustering around their undaunted 
chief, appeared resolved to perish by his side. In a moment 
a hundred rifles were aimed at the American, whose uni- 
form, and white horse which he rode, rendered him a con- 
spicuous object. His holsters, dress, and accoutrements, 
were pierced with bullets, his horse and himself receiving a 
number of wounds. At the instant his horse was about to 
sink under him, the daring Kentuckian, covered with blood 
from his wounds, was discovered by Tecumseh. The chief, 
having discharged his rifle, sprang forward with his toma- 
hawk, but, struck with the appearance of the warrior who 
stood before him, hesitated for a moment, and that moment 




Death of Tecumseh. 



was his last. The Kentuckian levelled a pistol at his 
breast, and they both, almost at the same instant, fell to the 



DEATH OF TECUMSEH. 1813. 325 

ground. The Kentuckians rushed forward to the rescue 
of their leader, and the Indians, no longer hearing the voice 
of Tecumseh, soon after fled. Near the spot where this 
scene occurred, thirty Indians were found dead, and six 
whites. 

Thus fell Tecumseh, one of the most celebrated Indian 
warriors that ever raised the tomahawk against us, and 
with him fell the last hope of our Indian enemies. This 
mighty warrior was the determined foe of civilization, and 
had for years been laboring to unite all the Indian tribes in 
opposing the progress of the settlements to the westward. 
Had such a man opposed the European colonists on their 
first arrival, this continent, in all probability, would still 
have been a wilderness. To those who prefer a savage, 
uncultivated waste, inhabited by wolves and panthers, and 
by men more savage still, to the busy city, to the peaceful 
hamlet and cottage, to science and the comforts of civiliza- 
tion, — to such it may be a source of regret that Tecumseh 
came too late. But if the cultivation of the earth, and the 
cultivation of the human intellect and the human virtues, 
are agreeable in the sight of the Creator, it may be a just 
cause of felicitation that this champion of barbarism was 
the ally of Great Britain at a period when he could only 
draw down destruction on his own head, by savagely 
daring what was beyond his strength. But Tecumseh fell, 
respected by his enemies as a great and magnanimous 
chief. Although he seldom took prisoners in battle, he 
treated well those that had been taken by others ; and, at 
the defeat of Dudley, actually put to death a chief whom 
he found engaged in the work of massacre. He had been 
in almost every engagement with the whites since Har- 
mer's defeat, although, at his death, he scarcely exceeded 
forty years of age. 

Tecumseh had received the stamp of greatness from the 
hand of nature, and had his lot been cast in a different 
state of society, he would have shone as one of the most 
distinguished of men. He was endowed with a powerful 
mind, with the soul of a hero. There was an uncommon 
dignity in his countenance and manners. By the former he 
28 



326 WAR OF 1812. 

could be easily discoyered, even after death, among the rest 
of the slain, for he wore no insignia of distinction. When 
girded with a silk sash, and told by General Procter that 
he was made a brigadier in the British service, for his con- 
duct at Brownstown and Magagua, he returned the present 
with respectful contempt. Born with no title to command 
but his native greatness, every tribe yielded submission to 
him at once, and no one ever disputed his precedence. 
Subtle and fierce in war, he possessed uncommon elo- 
quence. His speeches might bear a comparison with those 
of the most celebrated orators of Greece and Rome. His 
invective was terrible, as we had frequent occasion to 
experience, and as may be seen in the reproaches which 
he applied to Procter, a few days before his death, in a 
speech which was found amongst the papers of the British 
officers. His form was uncommonly elegant, his stature 
about six feet, his limbs perfectly proportioned. He was 
honorably interred by the victors, by whom he was held 
in much respect, as an inveterate, but a magnanimous 
enemy. 

The loss of the Americans, in this engagement, was more 
than fifty killed and wounded, among whom was Colonel 
Whitely, a revolutionary soldier, killed. The loss of the 
British was nineteen killed, and fifty wounded. Six hun- 
dred were taken prisoners. Of the Indians, one hundred 
and twenty were left on the field. Several pieces of can- 
non, taken in the revolution, and which had been surren- 
dered by General Hull, were trophies of this victory. 
General Procter fled when the charge was made, and 
escaped down the Thames, by means of fleet horses, 
though closely pursued. His carriage, together with his 
private papers, were captured. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

War of 1812. — Operations on the northern frontier — Wilkinson ap- 
pointed to the command — Expedition against Montreal — Affair of 
Chrystler's Field — Marxh of Hampton — Failure of the campaign — 
Naval affairs o?i Iiahc Ontario — Burning of Neivark — Capture of 
Fort Niagara — Burning of Buffalo — Indian ivar in the south — Mas- 
sacre at Fort Minims — Hostile movements of the Creeks — Jackson's 
campaign — Battle of Talladega — Defeat of the Indians — Battle at the 
Horse-Shoe Bend — Pacification of the south. 

The victory of the Thames put an end to the hostiUties 
of the savages, and the northwestern frontier rested in 
security. Most of the vohmteers returned home. Har- 
rison stationed General Cass at Detroit, with about one 
thousand men, and proceeded with the remainder to join 
the central army at Bufialo. The successes of the north- 
western army, and the victory on lake Erie, prepared the 
way for the invasion of Canada. A formidable force was 
collected on the frontier, under experienced officers, and 
the Indians declared against the British. General Arm- 
strong was at the head of the war department, and much 
was expected from his experience and zeal. Improvements 
were introduced, especially in the selection of officers. 
The secretary proceeded to the northern frontier, to put his 
plans into operation. The plan was, perhaps, judicious, 
but the season was too far advanced to accomplish his 
intentions. 

General Wilkinson was called from the southern army, 
to command on the Ontario frontier. The force directly 
under his command amounted to eight thousand men, and 
he expected to be joined, in October, by the force under 
Harrison. General Hampton commanded about four 
thousand men at Plattsburg. The plan of the campaign 



328 WAR OF 1812. 

was, to descend the St. Lawrence, pass the British posts 
above, form a junction with General Hampton, and invade 
Montreal. Tlie army, which had been distributed in dif- 
ferent corps, and stationed at various points, was to be 
concentrated at some place most convenient for its embar- 
kation. For this purpose. Grenadier's Island, which lies 
between Sackett's Harbor and Kingston, was selected, on 
account of its contiguity to the St. Lawrence, as the most 
proper place of rendezvous. On the 2d of October, 1813, 
Wilkinson left Fort George, with the principal body of the 
troops, and soon reached the island, Avherc he occupied 
himself incessantly in making the necessary preparations 
for the prosecution of his enterprise. By the 23d, the 
troops thus collected exceeded seven thousand men. 

General Brown, now a brigadier in the service of the 
United States, was ordered to take the command of the 
advance of the army at this place. On the 1st of Novem- 
ber, a British squadron made its appearance near French 
Creek, with a large body of infantry. A battery of three 
eighteen pounders, skilfully managed by Captains M'Pher- 
son and Fanning, soon forced them to retire. The attack 
was renewed the next morning, but with no better success; 
and as the other corps of the army now daily arrived, the 
enemy thought proper to move off. On the 6th, the army 
was put in motion, and in the evening landed a few miles 
above the British Fort Prescott. After reconnoitring the 
passage at this place, and finding that the fort commanded 
the river, Wilkinson directed the fixed ammunition to be 
transported, by land, to a safe point below, and determined 
to take advantage of the night to pass with the flotilla, 
while the troops were marched to the same point, leaving 
on board the boats merely a sufficient number to navigate 
them. Availing himself of a heavy fog which came on in 
the evening, the commander endeavored to pass the fort 
unobserved; but, the weather clearing up and the moon 
shining, he was discovered by the enemy, Avho opened a 
heavy fire. General Brown, who was in the rear with the 
flotilla, thought it prudent to land for the present, until the 
night should grow darker. He then proceeded down the 



Wilkinson's campaign. — isis. 329 

river, but not without being discovered, and again exposed 
to a severe cannonade; notwithstanding which, not one 
of three hundred boats suffered the sUghtest injury. Be- 
fore ten o'clock the next day, they had all safely arrived at 
the place of destination. A messenger was no\/ despatched 
to General Hampton, informing him of the movement of 
the army, and requiring his cooperation. The army was 
delayed for half a day in extricating two schooners, loaded 
Avith provisions, which had been driven into a part of the 
river near Ogdensburgh, by the enemy's fire. A body of 
twelve hundred men, under Colonel Macomb, being de- 
spatched to remove the obstructions to the descent of the 
army, he was followed by the main body. On passing the 
first rapids of the St. Lawrence, the barge of the com- 
mander-in-chief was assailed by two pieces of artillery, but 
without any other injury than cutting the rigging. The 
attention of the enemy was soon diverted by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Eustis, who returned theii' fire from some light 
barges, while Major Forsythe, at the same time, landed 
some of his riflemen, attacked them unexpectedly, and 
carried off three pieces of their artillery. 

On the 9th of November, a skirmish occurred between 
the American riflemen and a party of militia and Indians. 
In the course of the day, the cavalry and four pieces of 
artillery, under Captain M'Pherson, were ordered to clear 
the coast as far as the head of the Longue Saut ; and in 
the evening the army arrived at the place called the Yellow 
House, which stands near the Saut. As the passage of 
this place was attended with considerable difficulty, on 
account of the rapidity of the current and of its length, it 
Avas deemed prudent to wait until the next day; when 
Brown recommenced his march at the head of his troops. 
It was not long before he found himself engaged with a 
strong party at a block-house near the Saut, which, after 
a contest of a few minutes, was repulsed by the riflemen 
under Forsythe, who was severely wounded. About the 
same time, some of the enemy's galleys approached the 
flotilla, Avhich had landed, and commenced a fire upon it, 
by which a number of boats were injured. Tavo eighteen-; 
28* 



330 WAR OF 1812. 

pounders, however, being hastily run on shore, a fire from 
them soon compelled the assailants to retire. The day 
being now too far spent to attempt the Saut, it was resolved 
to postpone it until the day following. On the 11th, the 
enemy's galleys approached, for the purpose of attacking 
the rear of the American flotilla. General Boyd now 
advanced, with his detachment formed in three columns. 
Colonel Ripley passed the wood which skirts the open 
ground called Chrystler's Field, and drove in several of 
the enemy's parties. On entering the field, he met the 
advance of the British. Ripley immediately ordered a 
charge, which was executed with surprising firmness, so 
that these two regiments, nearly double his numbers, 
were compelled to retire ; and, on making a stand, were, a 
second time, driven before the bayonet, and compelled to 
pass over the ravines and fences, by which the field was 
intersected, until they fell on their main body. 

General Covington had, before this, advanced upon the 
right of the enemy, where his artillery was posted ; and, 
at the moment Ripley had assailed the left flank, the right 
was forced by a determined onset, and success appeared 
scarcely doubtful. Unfortunately, however, Covington, 
whose activity had rendered him conspicuous, became a 
mark for the sharp-shooters of the enemy, stationed in 
Chrystler's house, and he was shot from his horse. The 
fall of this gallant ofiicer arrested the progress of the brig- 
ade, and the artillery of the enemy threw it into confusion, 
and caused it to fall back in disorder. At this critical 
moment, Ripley, who had been engaged with the enemy's 
left flank, threw his regiment between the artillery and the 
advancing column, and fnistrated their design. The Brit- 
ish fell back with precipitation. The regiments which 
had broken had not retired from the field, but still con- 
tinued to keep up an irregular fight with various success. 
The action soon after ceased, having been kept up for two 
hours, by little better than raw troops against an equal 
number of veterans. The British force consisted of detach- 
ments from the forty-ninth, eighty-fourth, hundred and 
fourth, the Voltigeurs, and the Glengary regiments. The 



Wilkinson's campaign. — isis. 331 

enemy soon after retired to their camp, and the Americans 
to their boats. In this battle, the loss of the Americans, in 
killed and Avounded, amounted to three hundred and thir- 
ty-nine, of whom one hundred and two were killed. The 
British loss could not have been less than that of the 
Americans. This appears to have been a drawn battle ; 
the British and Americans both leaving the ground. 

On the 11th of November, the army joined the advance 
near Barnhart. The commander-in-chief received infor- 
mation from General Hampton, which put an end to the 
design against Montreal. On the 6th, a few days before 
the battle of Chrystler's Field, the commander-in-chief had 
given orders to Hampton to meet him at St. Regis ; but 
soon after this order, a letter was received from Hampton, 
in which, after stating that, from the state of Wilkinson's 
supply of provisions, and the situation of the roads to St. 
Regis, which rendered it impossible to transport a greater 
quantity than could be carried by a man on his back, he 
had determined to open a communication from Plattsburgh 
to Conewago, or by any other point on the St. Lawrence 
which the commander-in-chief might indicate. Hampton, 
some time before this, with a view to a further move- 
ment of troops, had descended the Chateaugay river, about 
the same time that the army was concentrated on lake 
Ontario. Sir George Prevost, perceiving this movement 
towards Montreal, had collected all his force at this point 
to oppose the march of Hampton. On the 21st of October, 
the Americans crossed the line, but soon found the road 
obstructed by fallen timber, and the ambuscade of the 
enemy's militia and Indians. A wood of considerable ex- 
tent was to be passed before they could reach the open 
country ; and while the engineers were engaged in cutting 
their way through. Colonel Purdy was detached, with the 
light troops and one regiment of the line, to turn their 
■ flank, and then seize on the open country below. In this 
he succeeded, and the army by the next day reached the 
position of the advance. But it was discovered that about 
seven miles further there was a wood which, had been 
felled, and formed into an abattis, and that a succession 



332 WAR OF 1812. 

of breastworks, some of them well supplied with artillery, 
had been formed by the main body of the enemy. Purdy, 
on the 25th, was ordered to march down the river on the 
opposite side, and, on passing the enemy, to cross over, 
and attack him in the rear, whilst the brigade under Gen- 
eral Izard would attack him in front. Purdy had not 
marched far when his orders were countermanded ; but, 
on his return, he was attacked by the enemy's infantry 
and Indians, and at first thrown into confusion, but the 
assailants were soon after repulsed. They came out at the 
same moment in front, and attacked Izard, but were com- 
pelled to retire behind their defences. Hampton, finding 
that the enemy was gaining strength, determined to retreat^ 
A council of officers was called by the commander-in-chief, 
and the army retired to winter quarters at French Mills. 
In this manner the northern campaign, which had excited 
great expectations throughout the coimtry, completely 
failed, in consequence of the gross incapacity of the com- 
manders, Wilkinson and Hampton. 

While these things were taking place on the land, the 
navy on the lake was not idle. Chauncey, it has been 
seen, after his first attempt to bring the enemy to action, 
returned to Sackett's Harbor, for the purpose of obtaining 
a fresh supply of provisions. After being reinforced by a 
new schooner, he again sailed on a cruise; and, on the 
17th of September, discovered the British squadron near 
the Niagara. The British, on perceiving the Americans, 
made sail to the northward, and were pursued daring four 
days and nights ; but, owing to the dull sailing of a greater 
part of the American squadron, they kept out of their reach. 
On the fourth day, off Genesee river, Chauncey, having 
a breeze. Avhile the British lay becalmed, endeavored to 
close with them. This he was not able to accomplish, the 
enemy taking the breeze also, when the American squad- 
ron had approached within half a mile. After a running 
fight of more than three hours, the British escaped, but 
the next morning ran into Amherst Bay, whither the 
American commodore, for want of a pilot, did not think it 
prudent to follow, but contented himself with forming a 



OPERATIONS ON LAKE ONTARIO. 1S13. 333 

blockade. In the running fight the British sustained con- 
siderable injury ; that of the Americans was very trifling. 
The blockade was continued until the 17th of September, 
when, in consequence of a heavy gale which blew from 
the westward, Ghauncey was compelled to lea\e his station, 
and the British escaped into Kingston. 

After remaining but a short time in Sackett's Harbor, 
Ghauncey received information that the enemy was in the 
harbor of York. He, therefore, made sail to that place ; 
and, on the 27th, early in the morning, discovered the enemy 
in motion in the bay, and immediately stood for him. 
This being perceived by the British commodore, he stood 
out, and endeavored to escape to the southward, but find- 
ing that the American was close upon him, tacked his 
squadron in succession, and commenced a well-directed 
fire at the Pike, in order to cover his rear. A smart action 
followed, in which the British had the worst of it, and 
made sail for the shore. The American squadron pursued 
them, but the chase was at length reluctantly given up, as it 
came on to blow almost a gale, and there was no hope of 
closing with the enemy before he could reach the British 
batteries, and without great risk of running ashore. Ghaun- 
cey was justly entitled to claim a victory in this aflair. 
Although the enemy were not captured, they were certainly 
beaten. Two of their vessels were at one moment com- 
pletely in the power of the Americans ; but, from his eager- 
ness to close with the whole fleet, they effected their escape. 
In addition to the general policy of Sir James Yeo, the Brit- 
ish commodore, the late aflair on lake Erie had rendered 
him particularly careful to avoid an engagement. The 
loss on board Ghauncey's ship, the General Pike, was con- 
siderable, owing to her having been so long exposed to the 
fire of the enemy's fleet; the most serious, however, was 
occasioned by the bursting of one of her guns, by which 
twenty-two men were killed and wounded ; the total 
amounted to twenty-seven. 

About the beginning of October, the commodore again 
chased the enemy's fleet for several days, and forced it to 
take refuge in Burlington Bay. The next morning, on send- 



334 WAR OF 1812. 

ing the Lady of the Lake to reconnoitre, it was discovered 
that Sir James had taken advantage of the darkness of 
night, and escaped to Kingston. Much pleasantry was 
indulged, at this time, at the shyness of the British knight, 
and his ungallant escape from the Lady of the Lake. 
The chase was now renewed, and, favored by the wind, 
Chauncey came in sight of seven schooners, and captured 
five of them, in spite of their efforts to escape by sepa- 
rating. Chauncey remamed master of the lake during the 
remainder of the season. 




View of Buffalo. 

General Harrison arrived at Buffalo soon after the depart- 
ure of the commander-in-chief, but could not follow for 
want of transports. He embarked after the main body had 
gone into winter quarters. Fort George was left under the 
command of General M'Clure, who commanded the militia, 
whose term of service had nearly expired. This force was 
soon reduced to a handful of men, and the place was no 
longer tenable. The enemy was in march with a large 
force. The fort was blown up, and the few troops crossed 
the river just in time to escape the British. But this 
retreat was preceded by an act which every American 
ought to condemn. Newark, a handsome little village, 



OPERATIONS ON THE NIAGARA, 1813. 335 

near the fort, would greatly favor a besieging army ; and 
orders were given by the secretary, that, if necessary for 
the defence of the fort, the village should be destroyed, to 
prevent the enemy from taking shelter in it. By an 
astonishing misconception of these orders, the general gave 
notice to the inhabitants to retire, and left the village in 
flames. The act was promptly disavowed by the govern- 
ment. The order, so misconceived, was soon enclosed to 
Sir George Prevost, expressing regret, and declaring the 
act unauthorized. Prevost, however, did not wait for the 
disavowal of the American government; he had already 
inflicted a retaliation sufficient to satisfy the vengeance 
of the fiercest enemy. At daylight on the 19th of De- 
cember, Fort Niagara was surprised by Colonel Murray, 
with about four hundred men, and the garrison, nearly 
three hundred in number, and principally invalids, was 
put to the sword; not more than twenty being able to 
escape. The commanding officer, Captain Leonard, ap- 
pears to have been shamefully negligent ; he was absent at 
the time, and had used no precautions against an assault. 
Having possessed themselves of this place, they soon after 
increased their force, and immediately proceeded to lay 
waste the Niagara frontier with fire and sword. The 
militia, hastily collected, could oppose no resistance to a 
large body of British regulars and seven hundred Indians. 
A spirited but unavailing attempt was made by Major 
Bennett to defend Lewistown. This village, together with 
that of Manchester, Young's Town, and the Indian village 
of the Tuscaroras, were speedily reduced to ashes, and 
many of the inhabitants butchered. 

Major Mellory advanced from Slosser, to oppose the 
invaders, but was compelled by superior numbers to re- 
treat. On the 30th, a detachment landed at Black Rock, 
and proceeded to Buffalo. General Hall had organized a 
body of militia, but, on the approach of the enemy, they 
could not be induced to hold their ground. The village 
was soon after reduced to ashes, and the whole frontier, 
for many miles, exhibited a scene of ruin and devastation. 
Here was indeed ample vengeance for the burning of New- 



336 



WAR OF 1812. 



ark. Even the British general was satisfied, as appears 
by his proclamation of the 12th of January : " The opportu- 
nity of punishment has occurred, and a full measure of 
retribution has taken place ! " and he declared his intention 
of "pursuing no farther a system of warfare so revolting 
to his own feelings, and so little congenial to the British 
character." 




Burning of Buffalo. 

Notwithstanding the opposition on the floor of congress, 
the war was evidently becoming popular. The conduct of 
the enemy in the prosecution of hostilities was such as to 
awaken the feelings of every American. The victories 
which we had obtained at sea, came home to the feelings 
of the whole nation. Affairs in the south had assumed a 
serious aspect, and no sooner had the northern armies 
retired into winter quarters, than the public attention was 
kept alive by the interesting events which transpired in the 
country of the Creeks during the winter. That ill-fated 
people had at length declared war. In consequence of the 
threatening appearances to the south, and the hostilities 
which already prevailed with the Indians inhabiting the 
Spanish territory. Governor Mitchell, of Georgia, was 
required, by the secretary at war, to detach a brigade 
to the Oakmulgee river, for the pitrpose of covering the 



WAR WITH THE CREEK INDIANS. — 1813. 337 

frontier settlements of the state. Governor Holmes, of the 
Mississippi territory, was, at the same time, ordered to join 
a body of militia to the volmiteers under General Claiborne, 
then stationed on the Mobile. In the course of the summer 
of 1813, the settlers in the vicinity of that river became so 
much alarmed, from the hostile deportment of the Creeks, 
that the greater part abandoned their plantations, and 
sought refuge in the different forts ; while the peace party 
amongst the Creeks had, in some places, shut themselves 
up in forts, and were besieged by their countrymen. 

The commencement of hostilities was witnessed by one 
of the most shocking massacres that can be found in the 
history of our Indian wars. The settlers, from an imper- 
fect idea of their danger, had adopted an erroneous mode 
of defence, by throwing themselves into small forts or sta- 
tions, at great distances from each other, on the various 
branches of the Mobile. Early in August, it was ascer- 
tained that the Indians intended to make an attack upon 
all these stations, and destroy them in detail. The first 
place which they would attempt would probably be Fort 
Mimms, in which the greatest number of families had been 
collected. Towards the latter part of August, information 
was brought that the Indians were about to make an 
attack on this fort, but unfortunately too little attention 
was paid to the warning. During the momentary contin- 
uance of the alarm, some preparations were made for de- 
fence, but it seems that it was almost impossible to rouse 
them from their unfortunate disbelief of the proximity of 
their danger. The fort was commanded by Major Beasley, 
of the Mississippi territory, with about a hundred volun- 
teers under his command. By some fatality, notwithstand- 
ing the warnings he had received, he wa^ not sufficiently 
on his guard, and suffered himself to be surprised on the 
30th, at noon-day. The sentinel had scarcely time to 
notify the approach of the Indians, when they rushed, with 
a dreadful yell, towards the gate, which was wide open. 
The garrison was instantly under arms, and the major flew 
towards the gate, with some of his men, in order to close 
it, and, if possible, expel the enemy ; but he soon after fell, 
29 



33S WAR OF 1812. 

mortally wounded. The gate was at length closed, after 
great slaughter on both sides ; but a number of the Indians 
had taken possession of a block-house, from which they 
were expelled, after a bloody contest, by Captain Jack. 
The assault was still continued for an hour on the outside 
of the pickets. The port-holes were several times carried 
by the assailants, and retaken by those within the fort. 

The Indians now for a moment withdrew, apparently 
disheartened by their loss, but, on being harangued by 
their chief, Weatherford, they returned with augmented 
fury to the assault. Having procured axes, they proceeded 
to cut down the gate, and, at the same time, made a 
breach in the pickets, and, possessing themselves of the 
area of the fort, compelled the besieged to take refuge in 
the houses. Here they made a gallant resistance ; but the 
Indians at length setting fire to the roofs, the situation of 
these unfortunate people became altogether hopeless. The 
agonizing shrieks of the unfortunate women and children 
at their unhappy fate, woidd have awakened pity in the 
breasts of tigers. It is only by those who have some faint 
idea of the nature of Indian warfare, that the horror of 
their situation can be conceived. The terror of the scene 
had already been sufficient to have bereft them of their 
senses; but what heart does not bleed at the recital of its 
realities? Not a soul was spared by these monsters. From 
the most aged person to the youngest infant, they became 
the victims of indiscriminate butchery; and some, to avoid 
a worse fate, even rushed into the flames. A few only 
escaped by leaping over the pickets while the Indians 
were engaged in the work of massacre. About two hun- 
dred and sixty persons, of all ages and sexes, thus perished, 
including some friendly Indians and about one hundred 
negroes. 

On the receipt of this disastrous intelligence, the Tennes- 
see militia, under the orders of General Jackson and Gen- 
eral Cocke, immediately marched to the country of the 
Creeks. On the 2d of November, General Coffee was de- 
tached, with nine hundred men, against the Tallushatches 
towns, and reached the place about daylight the next morn- 



WAR WITH THE CREEK INDIANS. 1813. 339 

ing. The Indians, apprized of his approach, were prepared 
to receive him. Within a short distance of the village, the 
enemy charged upon him, with a boldness seldom displayed 
by Indians. They were repulsed, and after a most obsti- 
nate resistance, in which they would receive no quarters, 
they were slain almost to a man, and their women and 
children taken prisoners. There were nearly two hundred 
of the warriors killed in this affair. The loss of the Ameri- 
cans was five killed and forty wounded. Late in the morn- 
ing of the 7th, a friendly Indian brought intelligence to 
General Jackson, that, about thirty miles below his camp, 
were a number of Creeks collected at a place called Talle- 
dega, where they were engaged in besieging a number of 
friendly Indians, who must inevitably perish vmless speed- 
ily relieved. This officer, whose resolutions were as rap- 
idly executed as they were formed, marched at twelve 
O'clock the same night, at the head of twelve hundred men, 
and arrived within six miles of the place the next evening. 
At midnight he again advanced; by seven o'clock was 
within a mile of the enemy, and immediately made the 
most judicious arrangements for surrounding them. Hav- 
ing approached in this manner, almost unperceived, within 
eighty yards of the Indians, the battle commenced on their 
part with great fury ; but, being repulsed on all sides, they 
attempted to make their escape, but soon found themselves 
enclosed; two companies having at first given way, a space 
was left through which a considerable number of the ene- 
my escaped, and were pursued to the mountains with great 
slaughter. In this action, the American loss was fifteen 
killed and eighty wounded. That of the Creeks was little 
short of three hundred ; their whole force exceeded a thou- 
sand. 

General Cocke, who commanded the other division of the 
Tennessee militia, on the 11th detached General White 
from Fort Armstrong, where he was encamped, against the 
hostile towns on the Tallapoosa river. After marching 
the whole night of the 17th, he surprised a town at day- 
Ught, containing upwards of three hundred warriors, sixty 
of whom were killed, and the rest taken prisoners. Hav- 



340 WAR OF 1812. 

ing burnt several of their villages, which had been deserted, 
he returned, on the 23d, without losing a single man. The 
Georgia militia, under General Floyd, advanced into the 
Creek country about the last of the month. Receiving 
information that a great number of Indians were collected 
at the Autossee towns, on the Tallapoosa river, — a place 
which they called their beloved ground, and where, accord- 
ing to their prophets, no white man could molest them, — 
General Floyd, placing himself at the head of nine hun- 
dred militia and four hundred friendly Creeks, marched 
from his encampment on the Chatahouchee. On the even- 
ing of the 28th, he encamped within ten miles of the place, 
and, resuming his march at one o'clock, reached the towns 
about six, and commenced an attack upon both at the same 
moment. His troops were met by the Indians with un- 
common bravery ; and it was not until after an obstinate 
resistance, that they Avere forced, by his musketry and bay- 
onets, to fly to the thickets and copses in the rear of the 
towns. In the course of three hours the enemy was com- 
pletely defeated and the villages in flames. Eleven Ameri- 
cans were killed and fifty wounded, — among the latter the 
general himself. Of the enemy, it is supposed that, beside 
the Autossee and Tallasse kings, upwards of two hundred 
were killed. This just retribution, it was hoped, would 
bring these wretched creatures to a proper sense of their 
situation ; but, unfortunately, it had not this effect ; — they 
still persisted in their hostilities. In December, General 
Claiborne marched a detachment against the towns of Ec- 
canachaca, on the Alabama river. On the 22d, he came 
suddenly upon them, killed thirty of their warriors, and, 
after destroying their villages, returned with a trifling 
loss. 

After the battle of Talledega, Jackson was left with but 
a handful of men, in consequence of the term of service of 
the militia having expired. On the 14th of January, 1814, 
he Avas fortunately reinforced by eight hundred volunteers 
from Tennessee, and, soon after, several hundred friendly 
Indians. He was also joined by General Coffee, with a 
number of officers, his militia having returned home. On 



WAR WITH THE CREEK INDIANS. — 1813. 341 

the 17th, with a view of making a diversion in favor of 
General Floyd, and at the same time of reheving Fort Arm- 
strong, which was said to be threatened, he penetrated 
the Indian country. On the evening of the 21st, behev- 
ing himself, from appearances, in the vicinity of a large 
body of Indians, he encamped with great precaution, and 
placed himself in the best attitude for defence. Some time 
in the night, one of his spies brought information that he 
had seen the enemy a few miles off, and, from their being 
busily engaged in sending away their women and children, 
it was evident they had discovered the Americans, and 
would either escape or make an attack before morning. 
While the troops were in this state of readiness, they were 
vigorously attacked on their left flank about daylight. The 
enemy was resisted with firmness, and, after a severe con- 
test, they fled in every direction. This was, however, soon 
discovered to be a feint. Coffee, having been despatched, 
with four hundred men, to destroy the enemy's camp, with 
directions not to attack it if strongly fortified, returned 
with information that it would not be prudent to attempt it 
without artillery. Half an hour had scarcely elapsed, when 
the enemy commenced a fierce 'attack on Jackson's left 
flank. It seems they had intended, by the first onset, to 
draw the Americans into a pursuit, and by that means create 
confusion; but this was completely prevented by Jackson's 
causing his left flank to keep its position. Coffee, with about 
fifty of his officers, acting as volunteers, assailed the Indi- 
ans on the left, while about two hundred friendly Indians 
came upon them on the right. The Avhole line giving them 
one fire, resolutely charged, and the enemy, being disap- 
pointed in their plan, fled with precipitation. On the left 
flank of the Indians the contest was kept up some time 
longer ; General Coffee was severely wounded, and his aid 
killed. On being reinforced by a party of the friendly In- 
dians, he compelled the enemy to fly, leaving fifty of their 
warriors on the ground. Jackson, being apprehensive of 
another attack, fortified his camp for the night. The next 
day, fearing a want of provisions, he found it necessary to 
29* 



342 



WAR OF 1812. 



retreat, and, before night, reached Enotachopco, having 
passed a dangerous defile without interruption. 

The Americans now continued their march without far- 
ther molestation. In these different engagements about 
tAventy Americans were killed, and seventy-five wounded ; 
in the last, about one hundred and eighty of the Creeks 
were slain. Meanwhile, General Floyd was advancing 
towards the Indian territory, from the Chatahouchee river. 
On the 27th of January his camp was attacked by a large 
body of Indians about an hour before day. They stole 
upon the sentinels, fired upon them, and then rushed with 
great impetuosity towards the line. The action soon 
became general; the front of both flanks was closely 
pressed, but the firmness of the oflicers and men repelled 
their assaults at every point. As soon as it became suf- 
ficiently light, Floyd strengthened his right wing, formed 
his cavalry in the rear, and then directed a charge ; the 
enemy were driven before the bayonet, and, being pursued 
by the cavalry, many of them were killed. The loss of the 
Americans was seventeen killed, and one hundred and 
thirty-two wounded. That of the Indians could not be 
ascertained ; thirty-seven of their warriors were left dead 
on the field. By this time it might be supposed that the 
Creeks had been satisfied with the experiment of war; but 
they appear to have been infatuated in a most extraordi- 
nary degree. From the influence of their prophets over 
their superstitious minds, they were led on from one 
ruinous effort to another, in hopes that the time would at 
last arrive when their enemies would be delivered into 
their hands. 

Jackson, having received considerable reinforcements 
from Tennessee, and being joined by a number of friendly 
Indians, set out on an expedition to the Tallapoosa river. 
He proceeded from the Coosa on the 24th of March, 
reached the southern extremity of the Ncav Youca on the 
27th, at a place called the Horse-shoe Bend of the Coosa. 
Nature furnishes few situations so eligible for defence; and 
here the Creeks, by the direction of their prophets, had 
made their last stand. Across the neck of land they had 



WAR WITH THE CREEK INDIANS. 1814. 343 

erected a breastwork of the greatest compactness and 
strength, from five to eight feet high, and provided with a 
double row of port-holes artfully arranged. In this place 
they considered themselves perfectly secure. The assail- 
ants could not approach without being exposed to a double 
and cross fire from the Indians who lay behind. The area, 
thus enclosed by the breastworks, was little short of one 
hundred acres. The warriors from Oakfuskee, Oakshaya, 
Hilebees, the Fish Ponds, and Eupata towns, had col- 
lected their forces at this place, in number exceeding a 
thousand. 

Early in the morning of the 27th, Jackson, having 
encamped the preceding night within six miles of the bend, 
detached Coffee, with the mounted men and nearly the 
whole of the Indian force, to pass the river at a ford about 
three miles below their encampment, and to surround the 
bend in such a manner that none of them should escape by 
attempting to cross the river. With the remainder of his 
force, Jackson advanced to the point of the breastwork, 
and planted his artillery on a small eminence, within 
eighty yards of the nearest point of the work, and within 
two hundred and fifty of the farthest. A brisk cannonade 
was opened upon the centre, and a severe fire was kept up 
with musketry and rifles when the Indians ventured to 
show themselves behind their defences. In the mean time. 
Coffee, having crossed below, had advanced towards the 
village. When within half a mile of that, which stood at 
the extremity of the peninsula, the Indians gave their yell. 
Coffee, expecting an immediate attack, drew up his men 
in order of battle, and in this manner continued to move 
forward. The friendly Indians had previously taken 
possession of the bank, for the purpose of preventing the 
retreat of the enemy ; but they no sooner heard the artil- 
lery of Jackson, and the approach of Coffee, than they 
rushed forward to the banks ; while the militia, appre- 
hending an attack from the Oakfuskee villages, were 
obliged to remain in order of battle. The friendly Indians, 
unable to remain silent spectators, began to fire across the 
stream, about one hundred yards wide, while some plunged 



344 WAR OF 1812. 

into the river, and, swimming across, brought back a num- 
ber of canoes. In these the greater part embarked, landed 
on the penmsiila, then advanced into the village, drove the 
enemy from their huts up to the fortifications, and contin- 
ued to annoy them during the whole action. This move- 
ment of the Indians rendered it necessary that a part of 
Coffee's line should take their place. 

Jackson, finding that his arrangements were complete, at 
length yielded to the earnest solicitations of his men to be 
led to the charge. The regular troops were in a moment 
in possession of the nearest part of the breastworks ; the 
militia accompanied them with equal firmness and intre- 
pidity. Having maintained, for a few minutes, a very 
obstinate contest, muzzle to muzzle, through the port-holes, 
they succeeded in gaining the opposite side of the works. 
The event could no longer be doubtful. The enemy, 
although many of them fought Avith that kind of bravery 
which desperation inspires, were cut to pieces. The whole 
margin of the river which surrounded the peninsula was 
strewed with the slain. Five hundred and fifty-seven 
were found, besides those thrown into the river by their 
friends, or drowned in attempting to escape. Not more 
than fifty could have escaped. Among their slain was 
their great prophet Manahoe, and two others of less note. 
About three hundred women and children were taken 
prisoners. Jackson's loss was twenty-six white men 
killed, and one hundred and seven wounded ; eighteen 
Cherokees killed, and thirty-six wounded ; and five friendly 
Creeks killed, and eleven wounded. 

This most decisive victory put an end to the Creek war. 
The spirit and power of these misguided men were com- 
pletely broken. Jackson soon after scoured the country on 
the Coosa and Tallapoosa. A party of the enemy, on the 
latter river, on his approach, fled to Pensacola. The 
greater part of the Creeks now came forward, and threw 
themselves on the mercy of the victors. A detachment of 
militia from North and South Carolina scoured the country 
on the Alabama, and received the submission of a great 
number of Creek warriors and their prophets. In the 



END OF THE CREEK WAR. — 1814. 



345 



course of the summer, a treaty of peace was dictated to 
them, by Jackson, on severe but just terms. They agreed 
to yield a portion of their country as an indemnity for the 
expenses of the war. 




CHAPTER XYIII. 

War of 1812. — Operations on the northern frontier — Affair of La Cole 
Mill — Operations on lake Champlain — Naval affairs on lake Ontario 
— Capture of a British force at Sandy Creek — Operations on the Ni- 
agara frontier — Gallant exploit of Captain Holmes — War on the At- 
lantic coast — Attack of Saybrook — Gun-boat battle in Long Island Sound 
— Capture of Eastport — Bombardment of Stonington — Invasion of 
Maine — Cruise of the Constitution — Capture of the JEpervier, Reindeer 
and Avon — Loss of the President — Capture of the Cyane and Levant 
— Cruise of the Hornet — Capture of the Penguin — Gallant exploit of 
the privateer Armstrong. 

The northern army remained in their winter quarters, on 
the St. Lawrence, till the end of February, 1S14, when, in 
pursuance of orders from the secretary at war, they removed 
to Plattsburg. From this place a body of two thousand 
men were marched to Sackett's Harbor, under General 
Brown, with a proportion of field-pieces and battering can- 
non. Towards the end of March, Wilkinson determined 
to erect a battery at a place called Rouse's Point, on lake 
Champlain, where his engineer had discovered a position 
from which the enemy's fleet, then laid up at St. John's, 
might be kept m check. The ice breakmg up on the lake 
sooner than usual, defeated his plan. A body of the ene- 
my, upwards of two thousand strong, on discovering his 
design, had been collected at La Cole Mill, three miles 
from Rouse's Point, for the purpose of opposing him. With 
a view of dislodging this party, and, at the same time, of 
forming a diversion in favor of Brown, who had marched 
against Niagara, Wilkinson, at the head of about four thou- 
sand men, crossed the Canada lines on the 30th of March. 

After dispersing several of the enemy's skirmishing par- 
ties, he reached La Cole iMill, a large fortified stone house, 
occupied by the British. An eigh teen-pounder was ordered 



BATTLE OF LA COLE MILL. — 1814. 347 

up, but, owing to the nature of the ground over which it 
had to pass, the transportation was found impracticable; a 
twelve-pounder and a five-inch howitzer were therefore 
substituted. These arrangements being made, the battery 
opened upon the house, and the fire was promptly returned. 
The different corps were greatly exposed to the fire from 
the house. It was found impossible to effect a breach, al- 
though the guns were managed with great skill. Captain 
M'Pherson was wounded at the commencement of the 
attack, but continued, notwithstanding, at his post, until a 
second shot had broken his thigh. His next officer, Lara- 
bee, was shot through the lungs. Lieutenant Sheldon kept 
up the fire until the end of the affair, and behaved in a 
manner which drew forth the praise of his general. The 
British commander, perceiving that the Americans persisted 
in bombarding the house, made a desperate sortie, and 
several times charged upon the cannon, in which he was 
repulsed by the covering troops, and compelled to retire to 
his fortress with loss. It being now found impracticable to 
make an impression on this strong building, whose walls 
were of unusual thickness, the commander-in-chief, calling 
in his different parties, fell back in good order. The loss 
of the Americans in this affair was upwards of one hun- 
dred and forty in killed and wounded : that of the British 
is not ascertained. Many were the difficulties under which 
the army labored, besides the deplorable incapacity of their 
general. Lack of system, a severe climate, sickness, un- 
foreseen expenses, abuses in every department, want of 
experience and education in the subalterns, and the dis- 
graceful conduct of many of the frontier inhabitants, in 
supplying the enemy with provisions, are among the num- 
ber of misfortunes under which the country labored ; be- 
sides which, the enemy was regularly informed of every- 
thing which transpired on the American side. 

Shortly after the affair of La Cole, the greater part of the 
British force was collected at St. John's and the Isle Aux 
Noix, for the purpose of securing the entrance of the squad- 
ron into lake Champlain, on the breakmg up of the ice. 
This was effected early in May. Some time before this, 



348 WAR OF IS12. 

on the suggestion of Wilkinson, Commodore M'Donough 
had fortified the mouth of Otter river, so as to secure a 
passage for his Uotilla, which then lay at Yergennes, higher 
up the river, waiting for its armament. This precaution 
proved of great service. The commodore had labored with 
indefatigable industry, to provide a naval force on this lake, 
to cope with that of the enemy. The vessels had been built 
during the autumn and winter, but their armament did not 
arrive before spring. 

The first object of the enemy, when they found the navi- 
gation open, was to attempt the destruction of the Ameri- 
can fleet, before it could move upon its element, prepared 
to meet them. On the 12th of May, not long after the 
erection of the battery on the cape, at the entrance of the 
river, a bomb vessel, and three large galleys, were stationed 
by the enemy across the creek, for the purpose of blockad- 
ing the squadron, and, at the same time, to intercept naval 
supplies, which, it was supposed, would be sent by water, 
for the purpose of completing its armament. Captain 
Thornton, of the light artillery, and Lieutenant Cassin, 
with a nimiber of sailors, were ordered to the defence of 
the battery. Indications being, at the same time, discov- 
ered of an attempt by the enemy to assail the battery in 
the rear. General Davis, of the Vermont militia, called part 
of his brigade, in order to oppose the landing. At day- 
break, on the 14th, the enemy commenced an attack upon 
the works, but were so effectually resisted, that they were 
compelled to withdraw from their position with the loss "of 
two galleys, which they were obliged to abandon. Soon' 
after, the whole squadron moved down the lake, but not 
without some skirmishing with General Wright, of the mi- 
litia, as they passed Burlington. Commodore M'Donough 
had attempted to bring some of the American vessels to the 
mouth of the river, but the British squadron had disap- 
peared before he could attain his object. 

While the naval preparations were making on lake 
Champlain, the winter and spring were taken up with the 
preparations for a contest of superiority on lake Ontario. 
The British converted it, however, into a contest in build- 



ATTACK ON OSWEGO. — 1814. 349 

ing the greatest number and the largest ships. At Kings- 
ton a ship of extraordinary size was building ; for the ene- 
my no longer trusted, as they had done with other nations, 
to superior seamanship and valor. Commodore Chauncey 
was under the necessity of building additional vessels, for 
the purpose of maintaining, as nearly as possible, an equal- 
ity of force. On the 25th of April, 1814, three of the ene- 
my's boats, provided with the means of blowing up the 
vessels, succeeded in getting close into Sackett's Harbor 
undiscovered, but before they could execute their purpose, 
they were detected, and fired upon by Lieutenant Dudley, 
the officer of the guard, on which they threw their pow- 
der into the lake, and pulled ofl". Failing in all these 
attempts, from the vigilance of the Americans, they next 
formed the determination to intercept the naval stores on 
their way from Oswego, where they had been deposited. 
Thither Sir James Yeo proceeded with his whole fleet, and 
having on board a large body of troops, under General 
Drummond, proceeded, on the 5th of May, with the deter- 
mination of storming the town, and capturing the equip- 
ments destined for the new vessels. 

The British commenced a heavy bombardment, which 
was kept up for several days. The unexpected and gallant^ 
resistance of the garrison, consisting of three hundred men, 
under Lieutenant-Colonel Mitchell, was in vain against 
such superior force. The schooner Growler, then in Os- 
wego Creek to receive the cannon, was sunk, to prevent her 
from being taken, and all the tents that could be procured 
were pitched on the village side, to give the appearance of 
a large force of militia. At one o'clock, fifteen barges, filled 
with troops, moved towards the shore, preceded by several 
gun-boats, while a heavy cannonade was commenced by 
the larger vessels. They were so warmly received by the 
battery on shore, that the boats were twice repulsed, and 
one of the largest fell into the hands of the Americans. The 
squadron now stood off, but this was evidently for the pur- 
pose of renewing the attack, in such a manner as to render 
it effectual. They again approached on the 6th, having 
resolved to land under cover of their ships ; they accord- 
30 



350 WAR OF 1812. 

ingly kept up a heavy fire for three hours, while their land 
forces, two thousand in number, under General De Watte- 
ville, succeeded in gaining the shore, after being gallantly 
opposed by Lieutenant Pearce and his seamen. Colonel 
Mitchell now abandoned the fort, and, joining his corps to 
the marines and seamen, engaged the enemy's flank, and 
did great execution. Finding further resistance useless, he 
fell back, formed his troops, and took up his march to the 
falls of Oswego, destroying the bridges in his rear. Hither, 
to the inexpressible disappointment of the British, the naval 
stores had been removed, and all their trouble, and the loss 
which they sustained, procured them nothing more than a 
few barrels of provisions and some whiskey. This was 
purchased with the loss of two hundred and thirty-five 
men, in killed and wounded. They were certainly enti- 
tled to the victory, but they never thought proper to claim 
it. The loss of the Americans was sixty-nine in killed, 
wounded and missing ; among the first, a promising offi- 
cer, Lieutenant Blaney. On the evening of the same day, 
a part of the force proceeded to Pultncyville, and demanded 
the public stores. The inhabitants were unable to repel 
the invaders, who indulged themselves in their usual dep- 
redations ; when General Swift, of the New York militia, 
opportunely arriving, with a part of his brigade, put them 
to flight. 

The British, soon after, hearing that the Superior, wnicn 
had lately been launched, had received her equipments 
from the interior, broke up the blockade and returned to 
Kingston. Another new ship, the Mohawk, was at this 
time on the stocks, and as she would have to be supplied 
with her equipments from the same place, it Avas deter- 
mined, since the British had disappeared, to transport them 
by water, and avoid the expense and delay of land trans- 
portation. To deceive the enemy, who had numerous 
gun-boats hovering about the diflerent creeks, a report was 
circulated that it was intended to forward the stores to the 
Oneida lake. Nineteen barges were loaded at Oswego, 
and Major Appling was despatched by General Gaines, with 
a detachment to aid Captain Woolsey, in their defence. 



AFFAIR OF SANDY CREEK. — 1814. 351 

On the 28th of May, Captain Woolsey, finding the coast 
clear, reached the village by sunset, and, taking advantage 
of the darkness of the night, put into the lake. The next 
day they reached Sandy Creek, and, ascending it a few 
miles, despatched a boat to look out for the British on the 
lake; this boat was discovered by some gun vessels, and 
immediately chased. Major Appling and Captain Woolsey 
determined to draw them into an ambuscade. As had 
been anticipated, the enemy pushed their gun-boats and 
cutters up the creek, while a party landed and ascended 
along the bank. The Americans now rushed suddenly 
upon them, and, in a few moments, after one fire, by which 
a number of them were killed and wounded, the whole 
party was taken prisoners, consisting of four lieutenants 
of the navy, two lieutenants of the marines, and one hun- 
dred and thirty men, together with all their boats and 
cutters. 

Captain Holmes, with a party of about one hundred and 
sixty rangers and mounted men, proceeded, on the 21st of 
February, against some of the enemy's posts. About the 
beginning of March, he received intelligence that a British 
force, which afterwards proved to be double his own, was 
descending the river Thames. Holmes, finding himself 
not in a situation to give battle, from the fatigues which 
his men had already encountered, and- his ignorance of the 
strength of the enemy's party, fell back a few miles, and 
chose a strong position, where he was confident of being 
able to defend himself until he could obtain the necessary 
information of the British. He despatched a small body 
of rangers for this purpose, but which soon returned, pur- 
sued by the enemy, but without being able to learn his 
strength. The British, perceiving the strength of Holmes' 
position, resorted to stratagem for the purpose of drawing 
him from it. They feigned an attack, and then retreated, 
taking care not to show more than sixty or seventy men. 
Holmes now pursued, but with caution; and, after pro- 
ceeding about five miles, discovered their main body 
drawn up to receive him, on which he immediately re- 
turned to his former position. Having disposed of his 



352 WAR OF 1812. 

troops in the most judicious manner, lie firmly waited for 
them ; being protected in front by a deep ravine, and the 
approaches on the other side somewhat difficult. The 
attack was commenced at the same moment on every 
point, with savage yells and the sound of bugles, the reg- 
ulars charging up the heights from the ravine. The other 
sides were rapidly assailed by militia and Indians. They 
first approached within twenty paces of the American 
lines, against a very destructive fire : but the front section 
being cut to pieces, those who followed severely wounded, 
and many of their officers cut down, they retired to the 
woods, within thirty or forty paces, and the firing continued 
with great spirit on both sides. The American regulars, 
being uncovered, were ordered to kneel, that the brow of 
the heights might assist in screening them from the enemy. 
But the enemy's covering was insufficient, a single tree 
atfording no shelter, even to one, from the extended line 
of the Americans, much less to the squads that stood to- 
gether. On the other sides, the attack was sustained with 
equal coolness, and with considerable loss to the foe. The 
Americans had, on three sides, thrown together some logs 
hastily, and no charge being made, they could aim their 
pieces at leisure, with that deadly certainty whicli belongs 
to the backwoodsman. The British, after an hour of hard 
fighting, ordered a retreat; and, as the night approached, 
Holmes thought it not advisable to pursue; besides, his 
men were much fatigued, and many of them had nearly 
worn out their shoes on the hard frozen ground. The 
American loss on this occasion did not amount to more than 
six killed and wounded. According to the statement of 
the British, their loss was sixty-five killed and wounded, 
besides Indians. In consequence of his good conduct in 
this alfair, Captain Holmes was promoted to the rank of 
major. 

The northern sea-coast, which had thus far experienced 
httle molestation from the enemy, became the object of 
attack early in the spring. On the 7th of April, a body of 
sailors and marines, to the number of two hundred, ascend- 
ed the Connecticut river as far as Saybrook, where they 



GUN-BOAT BATTLE. — 1814. 353 

spiked the cannon, and destroyed the shipping. They 
proceeded thence to Brockway's Ferry, where they did the 
same, and, afterwards, unapprehensive of attack, care- 
lessly remained twenty-four hours. In the mean time, a 
body of militia, together with a number of marines and 
sailors, under Captain Jones and Lieutenant Biddle, had 
collected for the purpose of cutting off their retreat ; but 
the British, taking advantage of a very dark night, and 
using muffled oars, escaped to their fleet, after having de- 
stroyed two hundred thousand dollars' worth of shipping. 

Abou*- this time the coasting trade was much annoyed 
by a British privateer, the Liverpool Packet, which cruised 
in the sound. Commodore Lewis sailed with a detach- 
ment of thirteen gun-boats, and succeeded in chasing her 
off. On his arrival at Saybrook, he found upwards of fifty 
vessels bound to the eastward, but afraid to venture out. 
The commodore consented to take them under convoy, but 
Avas not able to promise them protection against the squad- 
ron then blockading New London. They, however, being 
disposed to run the risk, he sailed with them on the 2.5th, 
and, in the afternoon of the same day, was compelled to 
throw himself between his convoy and a British frigate, a 
sloop of war and a tender, and kept up a contest until the 
coasters had safely reached Ncav London. Having at- 
tained his object, he determined to try what he could do 
with his gun-boats against the enemy's ships. Furnaces 
being hastily constructed, he began to throw hot balls at 
the enemy's sides, and repeatedly set their ships on fire, 
without receiving any injury himself. The sloop soon 
withdrew, and the fire was principally directed against the 
frigate. One shot passed through her, very near her maga- 
zine ; her lieutenant and a great number of her men were 
already killed ; her captain was on the point of striking, 
when he observed that the gun-boats had ceased firing. 
The night soon after coming on, the gun-boats desisted 
from the attack, determined to wait until morning. At 
daylight they perceived the squadron towing away. It was 
resolved to pursue them, but several other frigates soon 
made their appearance, and put a stop to this design. 
30* 



354 WAR OF 1812. 

Formidable squadrons were kept up before the ports of 
New York, New London, and Boston ; and the whole 
eastern coast was exposed to the enemy- The war was 
carried on here in a very different manner from that at the 
south. Hardy, the British admiral, would not permit any 
wanton outrages upon private property, or upon defence- 
less individuals. In spite, however, of his general de- 
meanor, there were particular instances of the contrary on 
the part of the officers commanding smaller parties, and 
actuated by a thirst for plunder. At the towns of Ware- 
ham and Scituate, they burned all the vessels at their 
moorings ; and at the former they set fire to an extensive 
cotton manufactor3^ At a place called Boothbay, they 
met with a spirited resistance, and were repeatedly repulsed 
in various desperate attacks. An invasion of a more 
serious nature was made in July. On the 11th of that 
month. Hardy, with a strong force, made a descent on 
Moose Island, and, after taking possession of Eastport, de- 
clared all the islands and towns on the eastern side of 
Passamaquoddy Bay to appertain to his Britannic majesty, 
and required the inhabitants to appear, within seven days, 
and take the oath of allegiance. About two thirds of the 
inhabitants submitted; but, in the month of August, the 
council of the province of New Brunswick declared that, 
notwithstanding the oath of allegiance, they should be 
considered as a conquered people, and placed under mili- 
tary government. Eastport was soon after strongly forti- 
fied ; but it was found extremely difficult for the enemy to 
subsist his troops, and the desertions were so frequent as 
to render it almost impossible to keep up a garrison. 

Hardy soon after sailed, with a part of his squadron, for 
the purpose of attacking Stonington. The appearance of 
this force excited much alarm among the inhabitants, 
which was not diminished when they received a message 
from the commodore to remove the women and children, 
as he had received orders to reduce the place to ashes. 
The inhabitants, although with very trifling means of 
defence, determined to make an attempt to save their 
property. The handful of militia of the place repaired to a 



BOMBARDMENT OF STONINGTON. — 1814. 355 

small battery erected on the shore, and to a breastwork 
thrown up for musketry, and at the same time despatched 
an express to obtain assistance from General Gushing, com- 
manding at New London. In the evening of the 8th of 
August, five barges and a large launch, filled with men, 
approached the shore, under cover of a heavy fire from the 
ships. The Americans, reserving their fire until the enemy 
were within short grape distance, opened their two eigh- 
teen-pounders, and soon compelled the invaders to retire 
out of the reach of their battery. They next proceeded to 
another part of the town, which they supposed defence- 
less; but a part of the militia being detached thither with 
a six-pounder, the barges were again repulsed. The enemy 
then retired to their ships, but determined to renew the 
attack in the morning ; and, in the mean time, kept up a 
bombardment until midnight. The next morning it was 
discovered that one of the enemy's vessels had approached 
within pistol shot of the battery, and the barges advanced 
in still greater numbers than the day before ; these were 
again gallantly repulsed, and the vessel driven from her 
anchorage. The squadron then renewed the bombardment 
of the town, but without effect ; and, on the 12th, the 
commodore thought proper to retire. The inhabitants, 
after this gallant defence, — which, considering the means 
with which it was eflected, and the great disparity of force 
opposed to them, deserves much praise, — once more occu- 
pied their dwellings in security. 

Not long after this the British took possession of all that 
part of the district of Maine between Penobscot river and 
Passamaquoddy Bay, and declared it to be held as a colony. 
On the 1st of September, the governor of Nova Scotia and 
Admiral Griffith entered the Penobscot river, and took 
possession of Castine, which the garrison had previously 
evacuated. A proclamation was then issued, declaring 
that possession of that part of the province of Maine, east 
of the Penobscot, was formally taken in the name of his 
Britannic majesty. The country, which contained about 
thirty thousand inhabitants, was then gradually occupied, 
and possessed until the conclusion of the war. 



356 WAR OF 1812. 

Another affair took place soon after, which furnished a 
still stronger proof of the now acknowledged superiority 
of America upon the ocean, an acknowledgment more 
strongly expressed than by words. In the month of April, 
Captain Stewart was on his return in the Constitution, 
after a cruise, when he was chased by two British frigates 
and a brig, but escaped, by superior seamanship, into 
Marblehead. Some time before, after capturing the public 
schooner Pictou, he fell in with the British frigate La Pique, 
Captain Maitland, who fled on the approach of the Consti- 
tution, and succeeded in making her escape. 

The year 1814 was also distinguished by farther naval 
successes of the Americans. The sloop of war Peacock, 
Captain Warrington, while on a cruise, on the 29lh of April, 
discovered the British brig of war Epervier, Captain Wales, 
having several vessels under convoy. Captain Warrington 
engaged the Epervier, while the others were making their 
escape. At the first broadside, the foreyard of the Peacock 
was totally disabled by two round shot in the starboard 
quarter. By this she was deprived of the use of her fore 
and fore-topsail, and was obliged to keep aloof during the 
remainder of the action, which lasted forty-two minutes. 
In this time she received considerable damage in her 
rigging, but her hull was not at all injured. 

The Epervier struck, having five feet water in her hold, 
her topmasts over her side, her main boom shot away, her 
foremast cut nearly in two, her rigging and stays shot 
away, her hull pierced by forty-five shot, twenty of which 
were within a foot of her water line. Eleven of her crew 
were killed, and her first lieutenant and fourteen men 
wounded. The sum of one hundred and eighteen thousand 
dollars in specie was found in her, and transferred to the 
Peacock. The day following, Captain Warrington dis- 
covered two frigates in chase. He took all the prisoners 
on board the Peacock, and leaving a sufficient number on 
board the Epervier for the purpose of navigating her, he 
directed her to seek the nearest port. By skilful seaman- 
ship the captain succeeded in escaping from the enemy's 
ships, and reached Savannah, where he found his prize. 



CAPTURE OF THE REINDEER AND AVON. 1814. 357 

Lieutenant Nicholson, by his good management, had 
brought her in, after encountering very great difficulties. 

The new sloop of war Wasp, Captain Blakely, sailed 
from Portsmouth, and, after capturing seven merchant- 
men, fell in with the British brig of war Reindeer, Captain 
Manners, in the British Channel. Captain Blakely com- 
menced the action with his after carronades on the star- 
board side. Shortly after, the larboard bow of the enemy 
coming in contact with the Wasp, Captain Manners gave 
orders to board, but the attempt was gallantly repulsed by 
the crew of the Wasp, and the enemy was several times 
repelled. Orders were then given to board in turn. Throw- 
ing themselves with promptitude upon her deck, the Amer- 
icans succeeded in the execution of their orders; and, at 
length, the flag of the enemy's ship came down. She was 
almost cut to pieces, and half her crew was killed and 
wounded. The loss of the Wasp was five killed and 
twenty-one wounded. The Reindeer, having been found 
altogether unmanageable, was blown up, and Captain 
Blakely steered for L'Orient, to provide for the wounded 
of both crews. 

After leaving L'Orient, and capturing two valuable Brit- 
ish merchantmen. Captain Blakely fell in with a fleet of 
ten sail, under convoy of the Armada seventy-four, and a 
bomb ship. He stood for them, and succeeded in cutting 
out of the squadron a brig, laden with brass and iron can- 
non and military stores, from Gibraltar. After taking out 
the prisoners and setting her on fire, he endeavored to cut 
out another, but was chased off" by the seventy-four. In 
the evening of the 2d of September, at half past six, he 
descried two vessels, one on his starboard, and one on his 
larboard bow, and hauled for -that which was farthest to 
windward. At seven she was discovered to be a brig of 
war, and at twenty-nine minutes past nine she was under 
the lee bow of the Wasp. An action soon after commenced, 
which lasted until ten o'clock, when Captain Blakely, sup- 
posing his antagonist to be silenced, ceased firing, and de- 
manded if he had surrendered. No answer being returned, 
he commenced firing, and the enemy returned broadside for 



358 



WAR OF 1812. 



broadside, for twelve minutes, when, perceiving that the 
two last were not returned, he hailed again, and was in- 
formed that she was sinking, and that her commander had 
struck. Before the Wasp's boat could be lowered, a second 
brig of war was discovered : the crew were instantly sent 
to their quarters, and the Wasp was standing to for the 
approach of the stranger, when two other brigs appeared. 
He now made sail, and endeavored to draw the first one 
after him, but without .effect. The name of the prize has 
since been ascertained to have been the Avon, Captain 
Arbuthnot, of the same force as the Reindeer. She sunk 
immediately after the last man had been taken out of her. 
She had eight killed, and thirty-one wounded, including 
her captain, and several other officers. The Wasp soon 
repaired her damage, and continued on her cruise. On the 
21st of September, she captured, off the Madeiras, her thir- 
teenth prize, the British brig Atalanta, of eight guns, and 
the only one she sent into port. The return of this vessel, 
after her brilliant cruise, was, for a long time, fondly looked 
for by our country ; but all hope has at last vanished of 
ever seeing her again. There is but little doubt that the 
brave commander and the gallant crew have found a com- 
mon grave in the waste of ocean ; but they will always 
live in the fond gratitude and recollection of their country. 
The blockade of Commodore Decatur's squadron, at 
New London, having been continued imtil after the season 
had passed in which there existed any prospect of escape, 
the ships were ordered up the river, while the commodore, 
with his crew, were transferred to the President, then at 
New York. A cruise was contemplated, in conjunction 
with the Peacock, the Hornet, and the Tom Bowline store 
ship. The commodore, thinking it more safe to venture 
out singly, appointed a place of rendezvous, and ordered 
the other vessels to follow. In sailing out of the harbor of 
New York, by the negligence of the pilot, the President 
struck upon the bar, and remained there thumping for two 
hours, by which her ballast was deranged, and her trim for 
sailing entirely lost. The course of the wind preventing her 
from returning into port, she put to sea. At daylight she 



CAPTURE OF THE PRESIDENT. 1814. 359 

fell in with a British squadron, consisting of the Endymion, 
Tenedos and Pomona frigates, and the Majestic razee. In 
spite of every exertion they gained upon her ; the foremost, 
the Endymion, got close under her quarters and commenced 
firing. The commodore determined to bear up and engage 
her, with the intention of carrying her by boarding, and 
afterwards escaping in her, and abandoning his own ship. 
In this he was prevented by the manoeuvring of the ene- 
my, who protracted the engagement for two hours, until 
the rest of the squadron \Vhxe fast gainuig upon them. 
He now assailed the Endymion, and in a short time com- 
pletely silenced her, leaving her a wreck. The President 
was also considerably damaged, having lost twenty-five 
men, killed and wounded. On the approach of the squad- 
ron, the gallant commodore, unwilling to sacrifice the lives 
of his men in a useless contest, on receiving the fire of the 
nearest frigate, surrendered. On this occasion we cannot 
pass in silence the dishonorable conduct of the British ofii- 
cers of the navy, where such ought least to have been 
expected. 

The generous and heroic character of Decatur is ac- 
knowledged wherever the American flag is known, and 
requires no testimony in its support, for the British them- 
selves have often declared their admiration of this chival- 
rous officer. The commodore was taken on board the 
Endymion, for the purpose of acting the miserable farce of 
surrendering his sword to the officer of a frigate of equal 
size, but which would have fallen into the hands of the 
commodore, but for the approach of the squadron. Deca- 
tur indignantly refused to give up his sword to any one but 
the commander of the squadron. 

Not the least among the exploits of our naval heroes, was 
the capture of two of the enemy's ships of war by the Con- 
stitution, Captain Stewart. Having sailed on a cruise, he 
discovered, on the 20th February, 1815, two ships, one of 
which bore up for the Constitution, but soon after changed 
her course, to join her consort. The Constitution gave 
chase to both, and at six, P. M., ranged ahead of the stern- 
most, brought her on the quarter, her consort on the bow, 



360 "WAR OF 1812. 

and opened a broadside, which was immediately returned. 
An exchange of broadsides continued until both ships were 
enveloped in smoke, upon the clearing away of which, the 
Constitution finding herself abreast of the headmost ship, 
Captain Stewart ordered both sides to be manned, backed 
topsails, and dropped into his first position. The ship on the 
bow backed sails also. The Constitution's broadsides were 
then fired from the larboard battery, and in a few moments 
the ship on the bow, perceiving her error in getting stern- 
board, filled away Avitli the -intention of tacking athwart 
the bows of the Constitution, while the other fell off entirely 
unmanageable. The Constitution then filled away in pur- 
suit of the former, and, coming within a hundred yards, 
gave her several raking broadsides, and so crippled her 
that no further apprehensions were entertained of her abil- 
ity to escape. The captain therefore returned to the first, 
which immediately struck. Possession was then taken of 
her by Lieutenant Hoffman, and she proved to be the frigate 
Cyane, Captain Gordon Falcon, of thirty-four guns. Cap- 
tain Stewart then steered in pursuit of the other vessel, and 
after a short resistance, in which she suffered considerably, 
she struck, with five feet water in her hold. She proved to 
be the sloop of war Levant, of eighteen thirty-two pound 
carronades. The loss on board the two ships amounted to 
about eighty in killed and wounded; on board the Consti- 
tution there were four killed and eleven wounded ; but the 
ship received a very trifling injury. On the 10th of March, 
Captain Stewart entered the harbor of Port Praya with his 
prizes, and on the 11th, the British squadron, of two sixty- 
gun ships and a frigate, appeared off the entrance of the 
harbor. Captain Stewart, having no faith m his security 
in this neutral port, made sail with his prize, the Cyane, 
and, though closely pursued, had the good fortune to escape 
into the United States. The Levant was recaptured in a 
Portuguese port, in contempt of the neutral state. The 
Peacock, Hornet, and Tom Bowline, left New York a few 
days after the President, without having received informa- 
tion of her capture. On the 23d of January, 1S15, the 
Hornet parted company, and directed her course to Tristan, 



CAPTURE OF THE PENGUIN. — 1815. 361 

Da Cunha, the place of rendezvous. On the 23d of March, 
she descried the British brig Penguin, Captain Dickinson, 
of eighteen guns and a twelve-pound carronade, near that 
island. Captain Biddle hove to, while the Penguin bore 
down. At forty minutes past one, the British vessel com- 
menced the engagement. The firing was hotly kept up for 
fifteen minutes, the Penguin gradually nearing the Hornet, 
with the intention to board, her captain having given 
orders for this purpose, but was killed by. a grape shot. 
Her lieutenant then bore her up, and running her bowsprit 
between the main and mizzen rigging of the Hornet, gave 
orders to board. His men, however, perceiving the crew 
of the Hornet ready to receive them, refused to follow him. 
At this moment, the heavy swell of the sea lifted the 
Hornet ahead, and the enemy's bowsprit carried away her 
mizzen shrouds and spanker boom, and the Penguin hung 
upon the Hornet's quarter, with the loss of her foremast 
and bowsprit. Her commander then called out that he 
had surrendered, and Captain Biddle ordered his men to 
cease firing. At this moment an officer of the Hornet 
called to Captain Biddle, that a man was taking aim at 
him in the enemy's shrouds. He had scarcely changed his 
position, when a musket ball struck him in the neck, and 
wounded him severely. Two marines immediately level- 
led their pieces at the Englishman, and killed him before 
he brought his gun from his shoulder. The Penguin had, 
by that time, got clear of the Hornet, and the latter wore 
round to give the enemy a fresh broadside, when they 
cried out a second time that they had surrendered. It Avas 
with great difficulty that Captain Biddle could restrain his 
crew, who were exasperated at the conduct of the enemy. 
In twenty-two minutes after the commencement of the 
action, she was taken possession of by Lieutenant Mayo, of 
the Hornet. The Penguin was so much injured, that Cap- 
tain Biddle determined on taking out her crew and scuttling 
her; and afterwards sent off" his prisoners by the Tom Bow- 
line, which by this time had joined him with the Peacock. 
The enemy lost fourteen in killed, and twenty-ei'ght wound- 
ed ; the Hornet one killed and eleven wounded. Captain 
31 



362 WAR OF 1812. 

Biddle, being compelled to part from the Peacock by the 
appearance of a British ship of the line, after being closely- 
pursued for several days, effected his escape into St. Salva- 
dor, where the news of peace soon after arrived. The 
capture of the Cyane, the Levant, and the Penguin, took 
place before the expiration of the time limited by the second 
article of the treaty of peace. 

The exploits of the privateers continued to rival those 
of our national vessels. In one instance the enemy was 
compelled to pay dearly for his disregard of the sanctuary 
of a neutral port. The privateer Armstrong lay at anchor 
in the harbor of Fayal, when a British squadron, consist- 
ing of the Carnation, the Plantagenet, and the Rota, hove 
in sight. Captain Reid, of the privateer, discovering, by 
the light of the moon, that the enemy had put out his 
barges, and was preparing to attack him, cleared for ac- 
tion, and moved near the shore. Four boats, filled with 
men, approached, and making no answer on being hailed, 
a fire was opened upon them, which was returned; but 
they soon called out for quat'ter, and were permitted to 
haul off. They then prepared for a more formidable 
attack. The privateer was now anchored within a cable's 
length of the shore, and within pistol shot of the castle. 
The next day they sent a fleet of boats, supported by the 
Carnation, which stood before the harbor, to prevent the 
escape of the privateer. At midnight, the boats approached 
a second time, to the number of twelve or fourteen, manned 
with several hundred men. They were suflered to approach 
alongside of the privateer, and, without waiting an attack, 
they were assailed with such astonishing fury, that, in forty 
minutes, scarcely a man of them was left alive. During 
these attacks, the shores were lined with the inhabitants, 
who, from the brightness of the moon, had a full view of 
the scene. The governor, with the first people of the 
place, stood by and saw the whole affair. After the 
second attack, the governor sent a note to the commander 
of the Plantagenet, Captain Lloyd, requesting him to de- 
sist, but was answered, that he was determined to have 
the privateer at the risk of knocking down the town. 



THE PRIVATEER ARMSTRONG, 1814. 



363 



The American consul having communicated this infor- 
mation to Captain Reid, he ordered his crew to save their 
effects as fast as possible, and to carry the dead and 
wounded on shore. At daylight the Carnation stood close 
to the Armstrong, and commenced a heavy fire ; but, being 
considerably cut up by the privateer, she hauled off to 
repair. Captain Reid, now thinking it useless to protract 
the contest, on her reappearance, scuttled his vessel, and 
escaped to the shore. The British loss amounted to one 
hundred and twenty killed, and one hundred and thirty 
wounded; that of the Americans was only two killed 
and seven wounded. Several houses in the town were 
destroyed, and some of the inhabitants wounded. 




CHAPTER XIX. 

War of 1812. — Negotiations for 'peace — Campaign on the Niagara — 
Battles of Chifpnvay and Bridgewater — Affairs in the Chesapeake — 
Capture of Washington — Attack on Baltimore — Affairs on the Cham- 
plain frontier — Invasion of Prevost — Battle of Plattsburg and M'- 
Donough\s victonj — Invasion of Louisiana — Battle of New Orleans — 
Peace of Ghent, 

During the course of the preceding events, the United 
States had made every demonstration of a wish to put an 
end 10 hostihties on reasonable terms. In these efforts they 
were aided by the emperor of Russia, who, early in 1813, 
offered his mediation between the two powers. The gov- 
ernment of the United States acceded to this proposal, and 
despatched three commissioners, Adams, Gallatin and Bay- 
ard, to St. Petersburg, with power to conclude a treaty of 
peace. This reasonable offer, however, was rejected by the 
British cabinet, on the most frivolous grounds. 

The campaign of 1814, on the Niagara frontier, did not 
commence till the summer was far advanced, when a pretty 
strong American force was concentrated at Black Rock. On 
the 2d of July, a body of three thousand five hundred men, 
commanded by General Brown, crossed the river and cap- 
tured Fort Erie. A force of three thousand British, under 
General Riall, was posted at Chippeway, in a very strong 
position. Brown advanced against them on the 5th, and 
a general engagement ensued on the plain in front of the 
town". Both sides combatted with great obstinacy. Gen- 
erals Ripley and Scott distinguished themselves at the 
head of their respective corps. After many vicissitudes, in 
which the tide of success fluctuated between the contend- 
ing armies, the Americans followed up their attack so 
fiercely that the British were repulsed at every point, and 



BATTLE OF CHIPPEWAY. 1814. 



365 



retreated slowly till near the town, when their retreat be- 
came a confused and precipitate flight. They rallied, how- 
ever, under the batteries of Chippeway, and night put an 
end to the battle. The British suffered a loss in the battle 
of Chippeway of four hundred and fifty- three killed and 




'^v^^ 



Battle of Chippeway. 



wounded, with forty-six prisoners. The loss of the Amer- 
icans, in killed, wounded and missing, was three hundred 
and twenty-eight. The merit of this victory was much 
augmented by the fact that the American troops were 
mostly raw recruits, while the British were veterans who 
had fought under Wellington. 

Brown continued to advance upon the enemy, who drew 
off" in the direction of Fort George. After much skirmish- 
ing, the two armies met in battle at Bridge water, near the 
falls of Niagara, on the 25th of July. The enemy occu- 
pied an eminence well fortified, and defended by thrice the 
number of men mustered by the Americans, while the 
latter sustained the unequal conflict more than an hour, 

when orders were given to advance^ and charge the enemy's 
31% 



366 



WAR OF 1812. 



heights^ and break the British hne. But, the order being 
countermanded, .the British pressed forward on the ninth 
regiment, which, with wonderful firmness, withstood the 
attack of their overwhelming numbers. The desperate 
efforts of the troops led General Riall, the British com- 
mander, to overrate the numbers to which he was opposed, 
and he sent to General Drummond for reinforcements. 




Battle of Bridge-water. 

About this time an awful pause ensued between the two 
armies ; for a time no sound broke upon the stillness of the 
night, but the groans of the wounded, mingled with the 
distant din of the cataract of Niagara. The shattered 
regiments were consolidated into one brigade, and the 
struggle continued with various manoeuvres. Captain 
Ketclium had the good fortune to make prisoner of General 
Riall, and of the aide of General Drummond ; the latter a 
most fortunate circumstance, as it prevented the concen- 
tration of the British force, contemplated by that officer, 
before the Americans were prepared for his reception. 

The enemy's artillery occupied a hill, which was the 



BATTLE OF BRIDGEWATER. 1S14. 367 

key to the whole position, and it wonld be in vain to hope 
for victory Avhile they were permitted to retain it. General 
Ripley, addressing himself to Colonel Miller, inquired, 
Mdiether he could storm the batteries at the head of the 
twenty-first, while he would himself support him with the 
younger regiment, the twenty-third. To this the wary 
but intrepid veteran replied, in an unalfectcd phrase, "I 
WILL TRY, SIR ;"^— words which were afterwards given as 
the motto of his regiment. The batteries were immedi- 
ately stormed, and carried at the point of the bayonet. 

Disheartened by these repeated defeats, the British were 
on the point of yielding the contest, when they received 
fresh reinforcements from Fort Niagara, which revived 
their spirits, and induced them to make another and still 
more desperate struggle. A conflict, dreadful beyond de- 
scription, ensued. The right and left repeatedly fell back, 
but were again rallied. At length the two lines closed 
with each otiier on the very summit of the hill, which they 
contested with terrific violence at the point of tlie bayonet. 
The British were completely beaten, and retired beyond 
the borders of the field, leaving their dead and wounded. 
The loss, on this occasion, was in proportion to the obsti- 
nacy of the conflict, the Avhole being seventeen hundred and 
twenty-nine; of which the British amounted to twenty- 
seven more than the Americans. Generals Brown and 
Scott were both wounded. The Americans now fell back 
upon Fort Erie and extended its defences. Having been 
reinforced by a thousand men, the enemy appeared before 
Fort Erie on the 3d of August, and commenced with regu- 
lar approaches. By the 7th, the defences were sufficient 
to keep the enemy at bay. Until the 14th, the cannonade 
was incessant, and the enemy gained ground, but in skir- 
mishes the Americans were generally victorious. General 
Gaines now commanded at Erie, and Colonel Drummond 
was preparing to assail him. At half past two in the 
morning of the loth, the attack was commenced by three 
columns. On the second attempt, the British gained the 
parapet, and the enemy received the orders of Colonel 
Drummond, to '■'■give no quarter V The order was faith- 



368 WAR OF 1812. 

fully executed, and a terrible strife ensued. Colonel Drum- 
mond Avas killed, and the British were finally defeated. 
Their loss in this assault was two hundred and twenty- 
two killed, including fourteen officers of distinction, one 
hundred and seventy-four wounded, and one hundred and 
eiglity-six prisoners. The Americans lost seventeen killed, 
fifty-six wounded, and ten prisoners. 

Nothing further of particular importance took place until 
September, when General Brown, observing that the enemy 
had just completed a battery, which could open a most 
destructive fire, the next day planned a sortie, which has 
been considered a military chef-d'oeuvre. The British 
force consisted of thi.-ee brigades, of one thousand five 
hundred men each, one of which was stationed at the 
works in front of Fort Erie; the other two occupied a camp 
two miles in the rear. Their design was to storm the 
batteries, destroy the cannon, and drive off" the besiegers. 
Porter, Davis, Ripley and Miller took charge of this haz- 
ardous enterprise, and, on the 17th, assaulted the enemy's 
batteries with such fury, that, after a short conflict, the 
works fell into the hands of the Americans. The cannon 
were then spiked, the batteries demolished, and the Ameri- 
cans returned to the fort with their prisoners, and the 
trophies of this signal exploit. The American loss in this 
affair was five hundred and eleven; that of the enemy 
upwards of a thousand, besides their cannon. 

\Vc now return to the war upon the coast. About the 
middle of August, the British entered the Chesapeake with 
a fleet of about sixty sail, including transports, under 
Admiral Cockburn, and landed six thousand men at Bene- 
dict, on the Patuxent, under the command of General 
Ross. On the 22d, they reached the Wood-yard, twelve 
miles from "Washington, where Commodore Barney caused 
a large flotilla of gun-boats to be destroyed, to prevent their 
falling into the hands of the enemy. On the 23d, the 
British reached Bladensburgh, six miles from Washington, 
where they dispersed the militia, after a short resistance, 
and advanced to the city. Conmiodore Barney had assem- 
bled a small force in defence of the capital, but lie was 



ATTACK ON BALTIMORE. 1814. 369 

soon overpowered by numbers, wounded and taken pris- 
oner, and the capital fell into the hands of the enemy. By 
order of General Ross, the capitol, the president's house, 
the executive offices, the navy-yard and the ships were 
burnt. The enemy retired, on the night of the 25th, by 
rapid marches, and regained their ships. 

On the 1 1th of September, the British appeared at the 
mouth of the Patapsco, about fourteen miles from Balti- 
more, with a fleet of ships of war and transports, amount- 
ing to fifty sail. On the next day, the land forces, to the 
number of six thousand men, the veterans of Wellington, 
debarked at North Point, and, under the command of Gen- 
eral Ross, took up their march for the city. A body of three 
thousand militia, under General Strieker, marched towards 
North Point, to oppose the enemy. On the 12th, they 
reached the head of Bear Creek, seven miles from the city, 
where they halted, with the exception of the cavalry and 
riflemen, who were pushed forward in advance of the en- 
campment. The next morning information was received 
that the enemy were debarking troops under cover of their 
gun-vessels, which lay ofl: the blufl'at North Point, within 
the mouth of the Patapsco river. The baggage was im- 
mediately ordered back under a strong guard, and disposi- 
tions were made to receive the enemy. A detachment was 
ordered to advance, which had scarcely proceeded half a 
mile, when they came in contact with the main body of 
the enemy. A sharp skirmish ensued, in which several of 
the Americans were killed and wounded, but not unre- 
venged, for in this aflair the enemy lost their commander- 
in-chief. General Ross. This officer had imprudently 
proceeded too far, for the purpose of reconnoitring, when 
he was killed by one of the company of Captain Howard, 
who was in the advance. 

After the death of Ross, the command devolved on 
Colonel Brook, who continued to push forward, notwith- 
standing this occurrence. The American detachment fell 
back; the enemy commenced throwing rockets, which did 
no injury ; and immediately the American artillery opened 
their fire upon them. The enemy's right column now dis- 



370 WAR OF 1812. 

played, and advanced. Unfortunately, at this juncture, 
an American regiment, from some sudden panic, after 
giving a random fire, broke and retreated in such confusion 
as rendered it impossible to rally it, and occasioned much 
disorder. The fire by this time became general, from right 
to left; the artillery poured an incessant and destructive 
stream upon the enemy's left column, which endeavored 
to shelter itself behind a log house, but this was instantly 
in a blaze. 

About ten minutes past three, the British line came on 
with a rapid discharge of musketry. The fire was inces- 
sant, until about twenty-five minutes before four o'clock, 
during which time General Strieker gallantly contended 
against four times his numbers ; but, finding that the une- 
qual contest could be maintained no longer, and that the 
enemy was about to outflank him, he was compelled to 
retire upon his reserve, which he efiected in good order. 

In the mean time, the naval attack on Fort M' Henry 
had already commenced from five British bomb vessels, at 
the distance of two miles ; when, finding themselves suffi- 
ciently near, they anchored, and kept up an incessant 
bombardment. A tremendous fire was opened from the 
fort, which compelled them, precipitately, to gain their 
former position. The bombardment was kept up during 
the whole day and night. The city of Baltimore, thus 
assailed on both sides, awaited the result with death-like 
silence, and yet no eye was closed in sleep. 

By the next morning the bombardment ceased, after 
upwards of fifteen hundred shells bad been thrown, a 
large portion of which burst over the fort, and scattered 
their fragments amongst its defenders. The enemy, not 
willing to abide such rough handling, retreated under cover 
of a dark and stormy night, and, in the morning, General 
Winder was detached in pursuit ; but the time which had 
elapsed was suflicient for embarkation, and the rear could 
not be cut off. The next day the fleet descended the bay, 
to the great joy of the inhabitants of Baltimore. 

We shall now return to the operations on the northern 
frontier. About the 1st of September, Sir George Prevost 



WAR ON THE CHAMPLAIN FRONTIER. 1S14. 371 

led his army to Plattsburg, while the fleet proceeded up 
lake Champlaiii on his left, to make a simultaneous attack 
by land and water. The peace in Europe permitted the 
English government to transport large bodies of troops, and 
they had already sent on a considerable arm}- to Canada. 
Fourteen thousand of these were organized, under Prevost, 
and the remainder were sent to oppose General Brown, on 
the Niagara. To oppose this overwhelming force. General 
Macomb, the American commander in the north, had but 
fifteen hundred regulars, including new recruits and inva- 
lids. The works were in no state of defence, and the stores 
and ordnance were in great disorder. The British took 
possession of Champlain, on the 3d of September, and, 
from the proclamations and impressments of wagons and 
teams in this vicinity, it was soon • discovered that their 
object was an attack on Plattsburg. Not a moment was 
to be lost in placing the works in a state of defence. Ma- 
comb called on General Mooers for the New York militia. 
Mooers collected about seven hundred ; and small detach- 
ments were posted so as to watch and harass the enemy, 
who continued to advance till they reached Plattsburg, 
which is situated on the northeast side of the Saranac, near 
its entrance into lake Champlain, directly opposite the 
American works. The town was, of course, abandoned, 
and occupied by the British. Attempts were made to take 
possession of the bridge, but it was resolutely guarded by 
the Americans. When our troops had passed the bridge, 
the planks were raised, and used for a breastwork. The 
enemy, now masters of the village, instead of attempting 
to carry the American works on the opposite side of the 
river, which their vast superiority of force might have 
enabled them to do, contented themselves with erecting 
works, whence they continued to annoy the Americans, 
and constantly skirmishing at the bridges and fords. By 
the 11th, the fifth day of the siege, a considerable force of 
New York and Vermont militia, which had been continu- 
ally collecting, lined the Saranac, and repelled the attempts 
of the British to cross, while, at the same time, a conside- 
rable body was sent to harass their rear. There was 



372 



WAR OF 1812. 



scarcely an intermission to the skirmishes which took place 
between them and the militia, who acted, after the first 
day, with great intrepidity. 

The principal cause of delay, which was fortunate for 
the Americans, was the momentary expectation of the 
British fleet, which was intended to cooperate. On the 
morning of the 11th, at eight o'clock, the look-out boat of 
Commodore M'Donough announced its approach. It con- 
sisted of the Confiance, carrying thirty-nine guns, twenty- 
seven of which were twenty-four pounders; the brig Lin- 
net, of sixteen guns ; the sloops Chub and Finch, each 
carrying eleven guns ; thirteen galleys, five of which car- 
ried two, and the remainder one gun. M'Donough, at this 
moment, lay at anchor in Plattsburg bay. His fleet con- 
sisted of the Saratoga, of twenty-six guns ; the Eagle, of 
twenty ; the Ticonderoga, of seventeen, the Preble, seven : 




Battle of Plattsburg. 

and ten galleys. Besides the advantage which the enemy 
possessed in being able to choose their position, their force 
was much superior. The number of guns in the British 



BATTLE ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 1814. 373 

fleet amounted to ninety-five, and of men to upwards of a 
thousand; while that of the Americans was eighty-six, 
and the number of men less by two hundred. The Amer- 
ican vessels were moored in line, with five gun-boats and 
galleys on each flank. At nine o'clock, the British an- 
chored in line, abreast of the American squadron, at about 
three hundred yards distance. 

In this situation the whole force on both sides became 
engaged ; and, at the same moment, the contest commenced 
between Macomb and Prevost. One of the British sloops 
was soon thrown out of the engagement, by running on a 
reef of rocks, while one division of the enemy's galleys 
was so roughly handled as to be compelled to pull out of 
the way. The American commodore maintained the une- 
qual contest for two hours ; but the greater weight of the 
enemy's battery seemed to incline the scale of victory, 
although he suffered prodigiously. The chances against 
the Saratoga were accidentally increased by the commander 
of the Eagle, who, not being able to bring his guns to bear 
as he wished, cut his cable, and anchored between the 
Ticonderoga and Saratoga, by which this vessel was ex- 
posed to a galling fire from the enemy's brig. The guns 
on the starboard side had by this time been either dis- 
mounted or become unmanageable. The situation of the 
enemy was but little better. To both, the fortune of the 
day depended on the execution of one of the most difficult 
naval manoeuvres — to wind their vessel round, and bring 
a new broadside to bear. The Confiance essayed it in 
vain, but the eftbrts of the Saratoga were successful. A 
stern anchor was let go, the bower cable cut, and the ship 
winded with a fresh broadside on the frigate, which soon 
after surrendered. A broadside was then brought to bear 
on the brig, which surrendered in fifteen minutes after. 
The sloop opposed to the Eagle had struck to Captain 
Henley some time before, and drifted down the line. Three 
of the galleys were sunk, the others escaped ; all the rest 
of the fleet surrendered. By the time this bloody contest 
was over, there Avas scarcely a mast in either squadron 
capable of bearing a sail, and the greater part of the ves- 
32 



374 WAR OF 1812. 

sels in a sinking state. There were fifty round shot in the 
hull of the Saratoga, and in the Confiance one hundred 
and five. The Saratoga was twice set on fire by hot shot. 
The action lasted two hours and twenty minutes. Captain 
Downie, the commander of the Confiance, was killed. The 
total loss in the American squadron amounted to fifty-two 
killed and fifty-eight wounded. The loss of the enemy 
was eighty-four killed, one hundred and ten wounded, and 
eight hundred and fifty-six prisoners, which actually ex- 
ceeded the number of their captors. 

This engagement, so deeply interesting to the two rival 
nations, took place in sight of the hostile armies. But they 
were by no means quiet spectators of the scene ; a hot 
engagement was kept up during the whole time ; the air 
was filled with bombs, rockets, shrapnels, and hot balls. 
Three desperate etforts were made, by the British, to cross 
over and storm the American works, in which they were 
as often repulsed, with considerable loss. An attempt to 
force the bridge was bravely defeated. The British 
attempted a ford about three miles above, but were so 
briskly assailed by a body of volunteers and militia posted 
in a wood, that the greater part of the detachment was cut 
to pieces. The efforts of the enemy naturally relaxed, after 
witnessing the painful sight, so little expected, of the entire 
capture of their fleet. The firing was, however, kept up 
until night. At night the enemy withdrew their artillery, 
and raised the siege. The plans of Prevost were com- 
pletely frustrated. Under the cover of the night, he sent 
off all his baggage and artillery for which he found means 
of transportation ; and, before day the next morning, his 
whole force precipitately retreated, leaving behind their 
sick and wounded. Vast quantities of military stores and 
munitions of war were abandoned by them, and still 
greater quantities were afterwards found hid in marshes, 
or buried in the ground. They were hotly pursued ; a 
number of stragglers were picked up, and upwards of five 
hundred deserters came in. 

Thus was this portentous invasion most happily repelled, 
and another of our inland seas made glorious by the vie- 



WAR IN THE SOUTH. — 1814. 375 

tories of free Americans. Meantime, negotiations for peace 
were going on in Europe, but the British demanded a large 
portion of territory, and a total relinquishment of the lake- 
shores, as a sine qua von. To these conditions it is evident 
our government could not accede, and the negotiations were 
broken off. 

About this time, a convention, composed of delegates 
from several of the New England states, met at Hartford, 
the members of which were hostile to the war. This step 
occasioned much excitement, and was the subject of many 
speculations. It was charged with the design of sundering 
the union of the states ; but, after a brief session, terminated 
in an address and remonstrance, or petition to congress, 
enumerating several objections to the federal constitution. 
It was presented to several states for approbation, but was 
uniformly rejected. 

The public attention was next awakened by a most 
alarming state of affairs to the southward. The Creek 
war was renewed, and a powerful invasion of Louisiana 
was threatened. General Jackson, after concluding a 
treaty with the Creeks, moved his head quarters to Mobile. 
Here, about the latter end of August, he received certain 
information that three British ships of war had arrived at 
Pensacola, and that thirteen ships of the line, with trans- 
ports, were daily expected, with ten thousand troops, for 
the purpose of invading some of the southern states. On 
the receipt of this information, he immediately wrote to 
the governor of Tennessee, calling for the whole quota of 
that state. 

On the 15th of September, three vessels of war, from 
Pensacola, appeared before Fort Bowyer, which commands 
the entrance to Mobile Bay. A proclamation was issued 
by Colonel Nichols, commanding his majesty's forces in 
Florida, addressed to the inhabitants of Louisiana, Ken- 
tucky and Tennessee, inviting them to aid the British. 
He likewise made a proposition to the pirates of Barataria. 
This nest of desperadoes amounted to five or six hundred, 
and their commander, Lafitte. had been outlawed by the 
American government. Lafitte rejected the British offer. 



376 WAR OF 1812. 

and, on a pardon being offered him by the governor of 
Louisiana, he joined the Americans. 

Jackson, finding the governor of Pensacola affording as- 
sistance to the British, marched to the attack of the place. 
Pensacola was taken on the 7th of November. The com- 
mandant of the fort evacuated it witli his troops just as 
the Americans were preparing to make a furious assault. 
The British withdrew their shipping, and Jackson, having 
accomplished his purpose, returned to Mobile. Hearing 
of the danger of New Orleans, he next repaired thither for 
its defence, and arrived on the 2d of December. He put 
in requisition all the powers of his mind, and took the 
most active measures to prevent the effects of an expected 
invasion. Batteries were constructed in important situa- 
tions, and every obstruction put in the way of the invaders. 

About the 5th of December, certain intelligence was 
received that the British fleet, consisting of at least sixty 
sail, was off the coast. Commodore Patterson immediately 
despatched five gun-boats, under the command of Lieuten- 
ant Jones, to watch the motions of the enemy. On the 
14th, the gun-boats, while becalmed, were attacked by 
nearly forty barges and twelve hundred men, and, after a 
contest of an hour with this overwhelming force, the 
flotilla surrendered. 

By a variety of manoeuvres the British continued to ad- 
vance till they reached the bank of the Mississippi, eight 
or ten miles below New Orleans. Here General Jackson 
had constructed his chief defence, consisting of a breast- 
work extending from the river on his right to a cypress 
swamp on his left. To hasten the construction of these 
works, cotton bags were used, as the cheeks of the em- 
brasures. As the enemy was still annoyed by the schooner 
Caroline, which lay in the Mississippi, they set to work in 
constructing batteries to attack her, and, on the 27th of 
December, threw hot shot, by which she was set on fire 
and blown up, about an hour after she was abandoned by 
her crew. The Louisiana then took her station. On the 
28th, the British advanced up the levee in force, with the 
intention of driving Jackson from his entrenchments, and, 



BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS, 1815. 377 

at the distance of half a mile, commenced an attack with 
rockets, bombs, and a heavy cannonade, as he approached 
the American works, which were yet unfinished. The 
Louisiana, discharging her broadside upon the enemy's 
column, caused great destruction i the fire from the Amer- 
ican batteries was not less destructive ; and, after a violent 
struggle of seven hours, the British retired. 

The British force amounted to little short of fifteen 
thousand of the finest troops ; that of the Americans to 
about six thousand, chiefly raw militia. The British now 
prepared for a serious attempt on the American works. 
With great labor, they had completed, by the 7th, a canal 
from the swamp to the Mississippi, by which they were 
enabled to transport a number of boats to the river. It 
was their intention to make a simultaneous attack on the 
main force of General Jackson on the left bank, and, cross- 
ing the river, to attack the batteries on the riglik The 
works of the Americans were by this time completed. The 
front was a straight line of one thousand yards, defended 
by upwards of three thousand infantry and artillerists. 
The ditch contained five feet water, and its front, from 
having been Hooded by opening the levees, and frequent 
rains, was rendered slippery and muddy. Eight distinct 
batteries were judiciously disposed, mounting, in all, twelve 
guns, of different calibre. On the opposite side of the 
river there was a strong battery of fifteen guns, and the 
entrenchments were occupied by the Louisiana militia and 
Kentucky troops. The British commander, having made 
every preparation for an attack, on the morning of the 8th 
of January detached Colonel Thornton, with a considera- 
ble force, to attack the works on the riglit bank of the 
river. He then moved, with his whole force, exceeding 
twelve thousand men, in two divisions, under Major Gen- 
erals Gibbs and Keane, and a reserve under General 
Lambert. The first of these ofiicers was to make the 
principal attack ; the two columns were supplied with 
scaling ladders and fascines. The British deliberately 
advanced in solid columns, over an even plain, in front of 
the American entrenchments ; the men carrying, besides 
32* 



378 



WAR OF 1812. 



their muskets, fascines, and some of them ladders. A dead 
silence prevailed until they approached within reach of the 
batteries, which commenced an incessant and destructive 
cannonade; they, notwithstanding, continued to advance 
in tolerable order, closing up their ranks as fast as they 
were opened by the fire of the Americans. When they 
came within reach of the musketry and rifles, these joined 
with the artillery, and produced such dreadful havoc that 
they were instantly thrown into confusion. Never was 
there so tremendous a fire as that kept up from the Amer- 
ican lines ; it was a continued stream ; those behind load- 




B attic of New Orleans. 

ing for the men in front, enabling them to fire with scarcely 
an intermission. The British columns were literally swept 
away; hundreds fell at every discharge. The British 
officers were now making an eflbrt to rally their men, and, 
in this attempt, their commander. Sir Edward Packen- 
ham, was killed. 

The two generals, Gibbsand Keane, succeeded in push- 
ing forward their columns a second time : but the second 



BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 1815. 379 

approach was more fatal than the first; the continued 
rolling fire of the Americans resembled peals of thunder. 
It was such as no troops could withstand. The advancing 
columns broke, and no effort to rally them could avail ; a 
few platoons only advanced to the edge of the ditch, to 
meet a more certain destruction. An unavailing attempt 
was made to rally them a third time, by their officers, 
whose gallantry, on this occasion, deserved a better fate, 
in a better cause. Generals Gibbs and Keane were carried 
away, severely wounded, the former mortally. The plain 
between the front of the British and the American lines 
was strewed with dead. So dreadful a carnage, consider- 
ing the length of time and the numbers engaged, was, 
perhaps, never witnessed. Two thousand, at the lowest 
estimate, fell by the American shot. The loss of the 
Americans did not exceed seven killed and six wounded. 
General Lambert was the only general officer left upon 
the field ; being unable to check the flight of the British 
columns, he retired to his encampment. 

In the mean time, the detachment under Colonel Thorn- 
ton succeeded in landing on the right bank, and imme- 
diately attacked the intrenchment. The American right, 
believing itself outflanked, abandoned its position, while 
the left maintained its ground for some time ; but, finding 
itself deserted by those on the right, and being outnum- 
bered by the enemy, they spiked their guns and retired. 
But the British, seeing the fate of the assault on the left 
bank, immediately recrossed the river. 

During the night of the 8th, the British abandoned 
their camp and retreated precipitately. From the nature 
of the country, it was found impossible to pursue them. 
Their loss in this fatal expedition was immense ; besides 
their generals, and a number of valuable officers, their 
force was diminished by at least five thousand men. They 
made all possible haste to their fleet, reembarked, and 
abandoned the country. The glorious defence of New 
Orleans produced the most lively joy throughout the United 
States, and was creditable in the highest degree to General 
Jackson and his brave troops. The courage of the Amer- 



380 WAR OF 1812. 

ican militia and the skill of their officers have seldom 
been crowned with such brilliant success. 

But the war was now drawing to a close. The pacifica- 
tion of Europe, consequent on the downfall of Napoleon, 
had removed the main grievances which had led to hos- 
tilities — namely, the impressment of seamen and illegal 
blockades. A negotiation was opened at Ghent, in the 
Netherlands, toward the end of 1814, between the Amer- 
ican commissioners, J. Q. Adams, Bayard, Clay, Russell, 
and Gallatin, and the British commissioners, Gambier, 
Goulburn, and Adam. On the 24th of December, 1814, 
a treaty of peace was signed. It was immediately ratified 
by the prince regent; and, on the 18th of February, 1815, 
it was ratified by the senate of the United States. This 
happy event gave satisfaction to all parties, and was wel- 
comed by expressions of the greatest joy on both sides of 
the Atlantic. The war had left the United States deeply 
in debt, and commerce had suffered largely. But the 
honor of the country had been vindicated, and a national 
spirit aroused throughout the land. At the close of the 
contest the United States stood higher than ever in repu- 
tation abroad, and took a high rank among the naval 
powers of the world. 




